麻豆约拍

Ten years ago today, South Sudan raised its flag as an independent nation, after decades of north-south conflict within Sudan.

At the time there was an explosion of joy across the country, but today the official celebrations will be muted at best - thanks to covid, and an economic crisis. It's also been a decade of difficulties and disappointment - with hatreds and rivalries that burst out during a civil war in 2013 still unresolved, even if President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his principal rival, Vice President Riek Machar Teny, are now both part of a unity government.

One man who's worked tirelessly for peace over the years is Bishop Emeritus Paride Taban. He told us his feelings on this day:

"People are struggling to live peacefully. When South Sudan got independence the whole world rejoiced, and now they're again disappointed because of the conflict. But I myself all these years, I'm still optimistic. Always optimistic, not pessimistic."

(Photo: Bishop Paride Taban prays with rebel leader David Yau Yau (L) in 2014 during efforts to persuade warring parties to sign a ceasefire. Credit: AFP)

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