Salva Kiir awarded medal for brokering Sudan peace deal

The Universal Peace Federation International, an international NGO based in the US has awarded the South Sudan President, Salva Kiir a medal for brokering the peace deal between the Sudanese government and rebel factions.

The awarding ceremony was held during the occasion to sign the peace agreement at the John Garang Mausoleum and Freedom Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking after receiving the award, Kiir said despite the challenges facing his countries, they never stopped working for total peace for their neighbours.

“I am pleased to have been honored and recognized for my efforts. The award honors both my efforts and our people’s aspirations for a peaceful region,” Kiir said.

He, however, applauded other players including Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the US government, the United Nations and the African Union for efforts in ensuring there is lasting peace in Sudan.

Speaking about his own country, Kiir said despite the slow pace, the peace process in South Sudan is on the right track.

“The SPLM and I are fully committed to the process of solving of differences through dialogue and use of non -violent means to solve problems,” he said.

According to Dr. Dhieu Mathok, South Sudan’s Minister for Investments but also the secretary for the mediation team, South Sudan put their problems aside and chose to broker peace for their neighbouring country in the North.

“As Africans, you might have problems in your house but that doesn’t stop you from helping a neighbor or a brother. Sudan is our home and we know each other. We were there, we know their culture and above all we know their problems more than anybody else,” Mathok told the Nile Post in an interview at the sidelines of the signing ceremony.