Consortium Concludes Three Day Peace Training in Greater Yei

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme of Yei River County has called on community leaders across Greater Yei to support regional development and prioritise security. The Commissioner made the appeal at the end of a three day consortium training organised by Finn Church Aid.

Commissioner Taban urged leaders from Lainya, Morobo, Kajo-Keji and Yei River counties to act as peace ambassadors in their communities and address the challenges affecting the region. He underlined the importance of unity in sustaining peace and encouraged armed groups still hiding in rural areas to lay down their weapons and return home. He reassured them that the government is committed to protecting their safety and working to achieve lasting stability.

One of the participants, Jessica Asio, said the training served as a follow up to a similar session held in November 2024. She thanked the organisers and appealed for similar initiatives in other counties.

Jackson Lumori, speaking on behalf of male participants, said the training had improved cooperation among the four counties and suggested establishing a peace committee for the Greater Yei area to collectively respond to shared issues.

Slash Moses, Project Manager for Finn Church Aid, praised the efforts of officials from national, state and county levels. He encouraged participants to use the tools provided in the training and announced that radio talk shows would be held in each county to share the outcomes and key messages.

James Juma Walla from the International Organization for Migration, representing the consortium’s primary donor, the United Nations Multi Partner Trust Fund, urged leaders to implement the agreed resolutions. He reminded participants that the consortium project is scheduled to end in November.

Lawrence Musoke, Director General at the State Ministry of Peacebuilding, said the training helped participants identify the main challenges across the state and strengthened collaboration among local stakeholders.

The training was supported by several partners including IOM, UNMISS, CEPO, Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative and Finn Church Aid. It brought together leaders from all parts of Greater Yei to exchange experiences and develop new strategies for effective peacebuilding and community development.