(WAU) – A community wide effort to promote peace and togetherness brought thousands to Wau Stadium, where the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) launched the local leg of its “Peace Begins with Me” campaign during the city’s third annual Peace Marathon.
The event which saw over 700 runners cross the finish line and more than 1,000 volunteers and spectators gather in support comes shortly after South Sudan celebrated its 14th Independence Day. The marathon served not only as a sporting event but as a symbol of resilience and a collective desire to maintain peace following years of conflict.
Among the performers at the marathon ceremonies was Martha John, the lead singer of Tarasa Bro Paile, a local music group whose lyrics echoed the day’s message of hope. Cradling her newborn, she reminded the audience of the importance of safeguarding peace.
“We composed this song after the 2016 conflict. It still reminds us that peace is precious and must be protected for future generations,” she told the crowd, her message amplified by her presence as a new mother.
The slogan “Peace Begins with Me” encapsulates the campaign’s emphasis on individual responsibility in maintaining peace. UNMISS hopes the initiative will spread across the country, involving local authorities, civil society, youth, women, and business leaders.
According to Leopold Kouassi, a Human Rights Officer with UNMISS, the event’s evolution from a small community run to a major state event is a testament to growing public engagement with peacebuilding efforts.
“What began as a modest initiative to promote health and unity has become a state tradition,” Kouassi said. “It reflects our collective commitment to peace, pride, and togetherness. Everyone plays a role in making peace a reality.”
The Western Bahr El Ghazal State Governor, Emmanuel Primo, reinforced this message in his opening remarks, stressing the government’s commitment to using sport as a tool to foster unity and strengthen community bonds.
South Sudan, still emerging from years of internal conflict, continues to navigate the long road toward national cohesion. Events like the Wau Peace Marathon, supported by local leadership and international partners, signal the potential of grassroots movements to influence broader peace processes.
For many in the crowd, the day was more than just a sporting event. It was a reaffirmation of shared goals and a hopeful step forward for a young nation still striving to build lasting peace.
