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It is often said that the young
are our nation's tomorrow but the young are South Sudan's present
building for its future.
With over 70 percent South Sudan's population below the age of 30
you are the majority and you can that common strength.
Political and ethnic differences are shallow in
comparison to your shared hopes and ambitions.
I know this because I have spoken to many of you about these hopes
you have told me of your dreams of a country that offers you the chances you deserve
a country you can be proud of, with all the color
and sound of your rich diversity. It is your country.
You've sacrificed together and fought together to achieve your independence.
I have witnessed common sentiments of friendship
and trust, spending time with 22 youths
nearly every tribe in the state. I watched you work together
and sing and dance together as one family about peace
and your role in making it. I appeal to you all
to search for that trust, that friendship to reach out to your neighbors
colleagues, friends and talk with them again, sing with them again
as friends and as brothers and sisters of one unified South Sudan.
Choose to trust each other together. Choose to put the past behind you and
shape the future together.
It is difficult, I know. It is sometimes more difficult than continuing the violence.
That is why I appeal to you specifically, the young
the boys and girls, the women and men of South Sudan. Because you have the courage
of your youth
and because you have your future to gain. We have all witnessed violence in other
countries.
We've all witnessed their suffering. Learn from their experience.
Learn from their lessons. They have gained nothing. You had the chance to learn from
your own fighting
in the past. You can shape
what happens. You can create opportunities.
You can create a unified country to be proud of. Educate yourself
and gain skills to build your future and your new country.
You made a commitment on Independence Day.
You made a vow to protect your country together. Make this a new beginning.
Reject violence. Choose peace.
You have the country's hopes in your hands.
South Sudan - oye!