Trees planted in South Sudan to honor earthquake victims in Türkiye

By Benjamin Takpiny

JUBA, South Sudan (AA) - South Sudanese joined officials from the Turkish Embassy in the nation’s capital of Juba on Wednesday in planting trees to honor victims of deadly earthquakes that hit southern Türkiye earlier this week.

“In memories and remembering of those souls, I would like to pay my condolences,” First Deputy Speaker of the Council of States of South Sudan, Mary Ayen Mijok, said at the ceremony.

Mijok noted that Turkiye was the first country to recognize South Sudan’s independence in 2011 which has helped strengthen cooperation between the countries.

“These are the times we share our concern and solidarity. We are standing with you in this difficult time,” said Ayen.

She said Turkish people and their humanitarian agencies have been standing with the people of South Sudan, especially the Turkish International Cooperation Agency (TIKA) which has been supporting the vulnerable people.

Executive Director of African Indigenous Women Empowerment, Ruth Nyaleel Kai, said the group bought 10 types of trees to represent solidarity with the people in 10 states in South Sudan.

She said South Sudan shares the joys and sorrows with the Turkish people at this critical time.

“We, the African Indigenous Women Empowerment, plant this tree of empowerment to restore the dignity and humility of our beloved Turkiye,” said Nyaleel.

The ceremony was attended by South Sudanese government officials, civil society and the Turkish community in Juba and Turkish peacekeepers.

Turkish Ambassador to South Sudan, Erdem Mutaf, said Türkiye is going through hard times after the disastrous earthquakes.

“The earthquake has affected many people and it’s a great shock to the Turkiye nation,” said Mutaf.

- Condolence books opened

Most Turkish embassies in Africa have opened condolence books for well-wishers. Embassies also posted messages showing addresses of where those who wish to donate can send.

“Those in Uganda who want to send aid in kind to the regions affected by the devastating earthquake that hit Türkiye will be able to send the following materials, which are unused and suitable for winter conditions, to the Embassy to be delivered to Türkiye,” according to a notice on the Twitter by the Turkish Embassy in Uganda.

Some of the unused goods accepted include overcoats, raincoats, boots, sweaters, tents, baby food, among others.

Turkish diplomats have also appreciated the outpouring of condolence and solidarity messages the country has received following the tragedy.

Several African leaders and continental bodies sent condolences and solidarity to Türkiye and Syria after the earthquakes devastated parts of both countries.

"Africa stands in unwavering solidarity and sorrow with the government and people of #Turkiye and #Syria following the devastating earthquake that led to the deaths of more than a thousand innocent people and wreaking terrible infrastructural damage," African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat wrote on Twitter.

*Additional reporting by Hassan Isilow in Johannesburg, South Africa.