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men of God as they urged Christians Head of Muslim elders in NBGS. celebration to be free from violence and
to forgive each other and avoid such “It is a privilege to talk to my fellow other crimes. We want Christians to
killings in 2013. brothers and sisters; both Christians dance, sing and rejoice with happiness
Muslims and Muslims to forget 2012 and other and avoid holding grudges with fellow
In the pursuit for a brighter 2013, the previous years and begin dwelling on brothers and sisters,” he said.
Islamic Federation Council (IFC) in new beginning so that everyone feels He urged the Police Commissioner to
NBGS also calls for peaceful co-existence forgiven and plant the seeds of reconcil- prioritise security during Christmas so
between Christians and Muslims iation and unity. We shall grow stronger that all citizens are at peace from within
across the new nation, particularly in when we love one another and are and abroad especially from Khartoum
the state in order to enjoy the fruits of peacemaking citizens,” said Chan. whose intention is to annex part of
independence. The Muslim elders made During the festive season, the Muslims Northern Bahr El Ghazal.

Wau residents sought refuge at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base at the peak of the violent
clashes before Christmas. Rev. Fr. Paulino Lual strongly condemned such violence. [UNMISS PHOTO]
their appeal in Aweil’s Main Mosque joined hands with the Christians to The Muslim community through their
during the New Year Show aimed at make security arrangements and help leader also urged the government to
discussing peace and unity among each other as one people. “We do concentrate on agriculture and set up
Christians and Muslims. not have any religious differences or factories to produce goods locally so
Muslims Expectations disagreements with Christians in this that dependence on imports of goods
in 2013 state. We have been attending their like sesame, groundnuts and onions can
Just like any other denominations, the Prayers so that we also give our religious be reduced. The Islamic Council also
Muslims in NBGS are also expecting a opinions in maintaining peace and revealed plans that the Islamic Society
better 2013. “We are very grateful and security,” said Chan. intends to help the government in
thankful to Allah for having made us see “We also believe in Christianity because improving schools, hospitals and clean
this day of the New Year,” said Mr. Kiir anybody who preaches God’s word is water through the International Islamic
Chan, the State Islamic Chairman and our friend. We want this Christmas Organization (IIO).

Gurtong Focus Monthly February 2013| 25