Eastern Equatoria State Deputy Governor Karlo Andrew Akwo on Wednesday called for unity, peace and forgiveness during Eid al-Adha celebrations, as Muslims across South Sudan marked one of Islam’s holiest festivals.
Thousands of worshippers gathered at the mosque in Torit for prayers attended by state officials, religious leaders and members of the Muslim community.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing the congregation, Akwo urged South Sudanese to maintain peaceful coexistence across religious lines.
“We as South Sudanese must love one another,” he said. “Eastern Equatoria is a peaceful region where freedom of worship exists, and we must preserve that spirit.”
Akwo also appealed to traders not to exploit the country’s economic hardship by increasing prices during the holiday season.
“The economic crisis affects everyone, but business people should avoid exploiting the situation through price increases,” he said.
Juma Babikir Lohure, secretary-general of the Islamic Council in Eastern Equatoria, called on Muslims to reject divisions and promote unity within their communities.
“We must stop misunderstandings and hatred among ourselves and instead foster love and unity,” Lohure said.
Torit County Commissioner Lokang Charles Italian said Muslims and Christians in the state had long lived side by side peacefully and should continue strengthening relations.
“Hatred has no place in religion,” he said. “Muslims and Christians in Eastern Equatoria should continue living together in harmony.”
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