Several speakers at a National Identity forum organized in Bor town in Jonglei State over the weekend called on citizens to identify themselves as South Sudanese instead of people coming from different tribes.

The speakers condemned tribalism which, they agreed, was a danger to peaceful coexistence.

“If I take blood from any of you and ask that you identify which one is Dinka, Shilluk, Murle or Nuer, that will be impossible. Dinkas, Shilluks, Murlers, and Nuer – all have the same blood that unites us as South Sudanese people,” said Dr Agot Alier Leek, Deputy Governor of Jonglei State.

“We kill human beings and have no feelings. Yet have more feelings when people kill chicken or cows.  We are human beings and must respect each other’s lives,” followed Dr Julia Aker Duany, Vice Chancellor, John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology.

Other speakers were Diing Akol, Special Economic Advisor to the Jonglei Governor and Isidore Boutchue, field office head of the Civil Affairs Division of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Officials from the UNMISS Civil Affairs Division said after the signing of the peace deal, they were keen on initiating discussions that would enhance peaceful coexistence in the country.

The speakers agreed the different tribes must rather be a source of strength, unifying the South Sudanese state, instead of being a cause for contention.

 “It is important for our humanity to show,” said Mrs. Duany. “It is our humanity that makes all of us South Sudanese,” she stressed, noting that citizenship trumps tribal affiliations.

 Diin Akol said there are reasons why the people of South Sudan may feel strongly about identifying with their tribes, but said, “even though diverse, if we go deep into them, you will see there is something common that binds all, of the 64 tribes.”