Authorities in Torit are calling on South Sudanese to respect and fear God by portraying a good example to others.
Sheikh Yousif Argentino Zachariah, Deputy Chairperson for Torit Islamic Council says giving honour to God is a beginning of wisdom.
Peace will never be attained in the youngest nation if South Sudanese do not fear God, he cautions.
Sheik Argentino further asks citizens to accept and thirst for peace to prevail in the country.
Peace is a crucial element that every South Sudanese should hope for determination, he emphasizes.
The Sheikh asks South Sudanese to forgive and reconcile for the sake of peace in the country.
Meanwhile Juliana Momoi Choho, Mayor of Torit is praying to God to change the hearts of the conflicting parties.
She urges South Sudanese leaders to love their country.
Momoi calls on citizens to denounce hate speech, tribalism, favouritism and other odds that have divided the social status of South Sudanese citizens.
She explains that no tribe is better than the other, but all are equal before God.
The officials spoke during prayer for peace in South Sudan organized by Eastern Equatoria Civil Society Network with support from UNDP last Friday.