20/01/2026
The Beauty of the Just Concluded Mundari Cultural Festival and Why South Sudan Should Embrace Such Traditions
Distinguished leaders, elders, youth, and fellow citizens,
Allow me to speak today about something truly inspiring—something that took place recently in the heart of Terekeka County. I am speaking about the beautiful and transformative 3rd Annual Mundari Cultural Festival, held from January 16th to 18th, 2026, an event that has captured the eyes and hearts of our nation.
This festival was not just a celebration of tradition; it was a living demonstration of unity, culture, peace, and national identity.
The Beauty of the Festival
Ladies and gentlemen, the beauty of the Mundari Cultural Festival lies first and foremost in its rich cultural heritage.
The Mundari people showcased their music, dance, attire, wrestling, cattle culture, and oral history—elements that tell the story of who they are as a people and what they contribute to our national fabric. This festival was intentionally designed to preserve their living heritage and to highlight the cultural wealth of our nation.
Even more beautiful was the extraordinary diversity of communities in attendance. From the Luo to the Shilluk, from the Nuer to the Toposa, Kakwa, Kuku, Bari, and many others—South Sudanese communities danced and celebrated side by side. This peaceful coexistence showed us that unity is not a dream; it is something we can practice and witness when we come together under the banner of culture.
We also witnessed stunning cultural contributions, such as the Shilluk performances, which reminded us that our diversity is a treasure meant to be shared, not feared.
A Festival That Builds Peace
The Mundari Festival was more than entertainment—it was a peacebuilding platform. Supported by institutions such as UNMISS the festival demonstrated that cultural soft power can heal divides where politics often struggles.
We saw how traditional wrestling offered a peaceful and dignified way to channel the warrior spirit—a place where strength is honored without bloodshed. And through the guest tribal doctrine, the Mundari showed us that a community willing to welcome others into its dances is a community moving away from conflict and toward reconciliation.
National Recognition and Leadership
This festival drew the attention of national leaders, ministers, governors, and dignitaries from across the country.
Their presence sent a clear message: culture is central to peace, unity, and development in our nation.
Leaders emphasized that cultural events like these must be supported as engines of social cohesion, and as platforms for economic growth—through tourism, fisheries, creative industries, and more.
Economic Impact and Local Empowerment
The festival didn’t only bring people together—it brought business, opportunity, and development to Terekeka.
Thousands of visitors, traders, and cultural enthusiasts boosted the local economy, uplifting households and showcasing the financial potential of cultural tourism.
Local leaders used the moment to call for continued development—better schools, improved health facilities, infrastructure, and agricultural expansion. This is exactly the kind of community-driven vision we need across South Sudan.
Why Other Communities Should Adopt Similar Festivals
Ladies and gentlemen,
The success of the Mundari Cultural Festival offers powerful lessons for every community in South Sudan.
1. Festivals Promote Peace and Unity
They create safe spaces for communities to interact, reconcile, and build mutual respect. When we celebrate together, we reduce suspicion, heal tensions, and lay foundations for harmony.
2. They Strengthen National Identity
Our cultures are not barriers—they are bridges. Festivals help us pass our traditions to younger generations, break stereotypes, and build pride in being South Sudanese.
3. They Bring Economic Benefits
Cultural events attract visitors, traders, and investment. They stimulate rural economies, promote tourism, and showcase local talents and products.
4. They Encourage Cultural Exchange
No community lives alone. Festivals open doors for sharing traditions, learning from one another, and strengthening inter ethnic relationships.
5. They Support Nation Building
Culture provides the unity, healing, and sense of belonging that political agreements alone cannot deliver. Festivals fill our nation with hope and remind us of what we share. [radioyei.org]
Before i conclude, allow me take this golden opportunity to thanks the brains behind this successful event chairman Bush Buse and the cultural enthusiast and activist Gemeiza De FirstLady and other team members who managed to mobilized resources during this difficult moment and bring the people of south Sudan together through this initiative. May God Almighty continue to bless you.
Conclusion
In closing, the Mundari Cultural Festival has shown us the beauty of our diversity and the immense power of cultural unity.
It proved that South Sudan’s future does not rest only in political dialogue or security arrangements, but also in the hearts, traditions, and shared celebrations of its people.
Let us, therefore, encourage every community across South Sudan to rise, celebrate their cultural identity, and contribute to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.
May the spirit of unity we witnessed in Terekeka inspire us all.
May South Sudan continue to dance, to celebrate, and to heal—together and May God Bless the Republic of South Sudan.
Regards
Majak Kot Amolpoor
Spokesperson
Secretary for Information, Communication & Publicity
Greater Bahr El Ghazal Wrestling Association
