Under the shade of the Gurei Peace Tree on the outskirts of Juba, a simple cup of tea became more than a refreshment.
It became a bridge between young people and government leaders, offering a rare opportunity for honest conversations about peace, unity and the country’s future.
More than 300 cups of tea were shared on Friday as hundreds of young people, community elders, women, students and public officials gathered for the Take Tea Together forum to commemorate South Sudan’s 15th Independence Anniversary.
Organised by Salaam Junub in partnership with the Gurei Peace Tree Club under the theme “United Over Tea,” the event sought to demonstrate that meaningful dialogue does not always require formal conference halls.
Instead, participants sat side by side over tea and popcorn, discussing the challenges facing their communities and the role citizens can play in building lasting peace.
The gathering brought together senior government officials, including Central Equatoria State Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Bush Buse, Juba County Commissioner Samuel Emiliano, Juba City Council Mayor Christopher Wani Swaka, and the Director of Conflict Resolution and Social Cohesion at the National Ministry of Peace Building, Bol Diu Gok.
Rather than delivering speeches from a podium, leaders joined residents in informal discussions, listening to concerns from young people and exchanging ideas on social cohesion, community development and national unity.
Many participants said the relaxed setting encouraged open conversations that are often difficult to achieve in formal meetings.
Young people shared their experiences and aspirations, while leaders responded to questions on issues affecting communities across Juba.
Addressing the gathering, Bush Buse reaffirmed the Central Equatoria State Government’s commitment, under Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony, to strengthen grassroots engagement through dialogue.
He also pledged greater efforts to tackle challenges affecting young people, including gang-related violence, drug abuse and the shortage of safe recreational spaces.
The event concluded with cultural performances, peace songs, comedy and other entertainment, reinforcing the message that unity can be strengthened not only through policy discussions but also through shared experiences that bring communities together.
Organisers said the initiative highlighted the power of simple acts to promote reconciliation, arguing that a shared cup of tea can create space for trust, understanding and collective action.
As South Sudan marked 15 years of independence, they said the conversations held under the Gurei Peace Tree reflected a growing belief that lasting peace begins with listening to one another.
