By Waure Eddy
The Azande Kingdom made history this weekend with the launch of its first-ever Cultural Festival, held at Yambio Freedom Square.
The two-day celebration, themed “Celebrating Our Unity through Cultural Diversity,” brought together communities from Nvolo to Kubiri Boor in a vibrant display of traditional dances, foods, and shared heritage.
The festival aimed to foster peaceful coexistence and condemn violence among the diverse tribes of Western Equatoria State (WES), a region that has endured years of conflict and fragmentation.
His Majesty King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, the custodian of the Azande Kingdom, emphasized that the kingdom belongs to all tribes living in WES not just the Azande people.
“Without other tribes in the kingdom, it will not develop alone,” King Atoroba declared. “But with other tribes, we will develop faster. Today I have seen different tribes here that’s what the kingdom needs: to be together with all tribes.”
The King praised the Dinka community for preserving their milk tradition and encouraged all ethnic groups to maintain and uplift their cultures. He clarified that the Azande Kingdom does not seek to overshadow other traditions but rather to serve as a platform for cultural cooperation and mutual respect.
The festival also marked a milestone in partnership-building. Mr. Mande Daniel, Program Coordinator for Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative, expressed gratitude to the King for welcoming Whitaker’s collaboration.
“Peace has come to bring all tribes together like this—it’s not easy, but the King has made it possible,” said Daniel. He announced that Whitaker has secured funding to train chiefs, women leaders, and youth leaders under the kingdom’s peace framework.
Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, H.E. Justin Joseph Marona, commended the King’s leadership in organizing the event, which he described as a beacon of reconciliation.
“The state has gone through violence and crisis, but the government is working hard for everlasting peace,” Marona said. “We are working under the directive of H.E. General Salva Kiir Mayardit to restore peace, security, and social coexistence.”
Marona also acknowledged the presence of Congolese, Ugandan, and Central African communities, affirming that their participation symbolizes a shared commitment to unity. “We need to treat them as one family,” he urged. “Let’s unite together.”
