When some of the biggest brains in African football took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to trend the hashtag #FootballforPeaceSouthSudan, they were very clear on the power of the beautiful game to effect positive change.
And for sure the powers in Juba that were part of deadly clashes that rocked the capital of South Sudan since last Friday heard the voice of football to end hostilities and promote peace as was reported by South Sudan Football Federation President Chabur Goc Alei later in the evening.
The idea to call for and influence a lasting peace in South Sudan through football, the world’s most followed game was mooted on one of the most powerful Africa’s whatsapp groups “Football Africa Arena” managed by Collins Okinyo, a football journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.
“Ladies and Gentlemen today we want to spare half a day dedicated to peace in South Sudan by using the power of football in Africa.
Starting with FA Presidents, Caf and Fifa officials and all other stakeholders we want to post messages of peace which can be used by the journalists in this forum to dispense the information.” Okinyo set the ball rolling.
What followed was a barrage of tweets conveying similar messages, and at one point it was among the top trending topics in South Africa and Kenya.
Below are samples;
“May South Sudan political leaders see the wisdom and power of settling issues peacefuly.Spilling innocent blood will get them nowhere.” @JamalMalinzi TFF President
“Sports is a unifying factor, it knows no war, tribe, race – sport is peace” @michkatami
“War denies youths opportunity to explore their talents in football and other sports, end it now.” @bonfaceosano
“Last year, Rwanda hosted the first Commemoration Cup in remembrance of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.” @UsherKomugisha
“President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar: PLEASE THINK of the LIVES of ordinary South Sudanese people!!” @Osasuo
Mr Chabur later that evening posted to have received a call from Gen. Kiir’s press office promising to pursue a peace initiative through football – a message that was like sweet music to the ears of all the participants.
“#FootballForPeaceSouthSudan is working now a phone call from press office of the President Gen. Kiir , they got your tweets and all your comments , they will work with the FA to implement the initiative,
Thanks once again to everyone who joined us and those who are on the way to join , God bless you all.” Chabur posted at around 7PM EAT.
And in a quick rejoinder his counterpart from Rwanda Mr. Nzamwita promised to support the quest for peace.
“And any organization you will do on this, Rwanda FA comfirms to attend.” Nzamwita posted.
The young East African nation has for the past six days been hit by a wave of violence ignited by exchanges of fire between troops loyal to the President Salva Kiir and those supporting his deputy Riek Machar claiming over 250 lives including two officials of South Sudan Premier League champions Altabara FC.
@bonfaceosano
