As we usher in 2025, I extend my heartfelt New Year wishes to all South Sudanese, both at home and across the globe. May this year be one of hope, renewal, and collective resolve. Together, we have the power to make 2025 a transformative chapter in our nation’s history—a year to rebuild trust, foster reconciliation, and set a lasting foundation for peace and prosperity.

The transformative power of peace

Peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is the catalyst for growth, justice, and equality. For too long, South Sudan has suffered under the weight of violence and division. The scars of our past are undeniable, yet they remind us of the urgent need to embrace peace. In 2025, we must collectively work to heal our nation, ensuring that every effort we make reflects our shared desire for a brighter future.

Unity: The cornerstone of progress

Our diversity is our strength, but it requires unity to realize its full potential. Ethnic and political divisions have long hindered our progress, yet 2025 offers us the chance to move beyond these barriers. We must cultivate a national identity rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and collective ambition. Unity is not just a goal; it is the foundation upon which we can build a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan.

Empowering the youth: Agents of change

South Sudan’s youth represent the lifeblood of the nation—vibrant, innovative, and full of potential. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today. In 2025, young people must rise as champions of peace, initiating grassroots dialogues, leading reconciliation efforts, and driving community-based solutions. Their energy and creativity are indispensable to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.

Women: Pillars of peacebuilding

Women have always been the backbone of South Sudanese communities, and their role in peacebuilding is vital. Their resilience, wisdom, and ability to foster dialogue make them indispensable in the pursuit of lasting harmony. In 2025, we must ensure women’s full participation in decision-making processes at all levels, recognizing that their contributions are essential to building a just and inclusive society.

Justice and reconciliation: Paths to healing

To move forward, we must address the pain of the past. Justice and reconciliation are not opposing forces but complementary pillars of healing. Establishing a national truth and reconciliation process will allow victims and perpetrators to confront the past and foster understanding. At the same time, accountability for past atrocities will uphold the rule of law and lay the groundwork for a peaceful and equitable future.

Investing in peace: Infrastructure and governance

Peace is not just a moral imperative—it is an economic and social necessity. Tangible investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare are critical to bridging divides and improving lives. Simultaneously, strengthening governance through transparency, accountability, and the rule of law will restore public trust and create an environment where peace can flourish.

The role of the diaspora and international allies

The South Sudanese diaspora and international partners have a crucial role to play in this journey. The diaspora can contribute resources, expertise, and advocacy, while international allies can provide technical support and funding for peacebuilding initiatives. Collaboration across borders will amplify local efforts and ensure the sustainability of our peace agenda.

A collective responsibility

Peacebuilding is not the responsibility of the government alone; it is a duty we all share. Religious leaders, community elders, youth, women, and civil society organizations must work together to champion peace at every level. In 2025, let us ensure that every decision, action, and conversation reflects our unwavering commitment to unity and reconciliation.

Looking ahead: A vision for South Sudan

Declaring 2025 as the Year of Peace and Renewal is not just a symbolic act—it is a call to action. It is an opportunity to lay the foundation for a nation where children grow up in safety, communities thrive in harmony, and prosperity is shared by all. Together, we can turn our challenges into opportunities and create a future where peace is not a fleeting dream but a lasting reality.

As we embark on this journey, let us rise above division, embrace unity, and work tirelessly for the South Sudan we envision. May 2025 be the year we transform hope into action and peace into a permanent legacy.

Happy New Year, South Sudan. The responsibility is ours, and the time is now.

The writer is a peacebuilder and advocate for a Better South Sudan. He can be reached via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the author’s responsibility, not Radio Tamazuj’s.