Warrap Civil Network Reforms for County Level Inclusion

(KUAJOK, WARRAP STATE) – Civil society organisations in Warrap are stepping up their efforts to connect the state capital with remote counties in order to prevent conflict and promote peace.

For many communities, civil society groups are seen as the voice of the people. They advocate for the needs of citizens and promote dialogue as an alternative to violence. However, in Warrap, these voices often struggle to travel beyond local boundaries.

This week in Kuajok, representatives from six counties gathered for a three-day forum aimed at improving coordination and strengthening connections across the state.

“Our community is tired of war,” said Bona Malual Akec, Chairperson of the Warrap State Civil Society Network. He recalled a recent county dispute that turned violent before being addressed at state level. “By engaging directly with communities, we can resolve issues before they get worse.”

Asunta Nyanut, founder of the Support Women and Girls Organization, said the gap is not just about communication but about ensuring the right voices are heard. She has seen women’s groups excluded from key projects due to lack of information.

“With proper resources and recognition, we could tackle gender-based violence, keep girls in school and hold offenders accountable,” she said. During the forum, Asunta translated key points into local dialects to ensure rural women could participate fully.

Lack of county level links also leaves some communities invisible in peacebuilding. John Lino Anei, representing people with disabilities, said his community often misses invitations to peace talks and learns about decisions only after they are made.

“Without wheelchairs or transport, many cannot attend meetings,” he explained. In Kuajok, he attended every session, distributed notebooks, helped with technical equipment, and reminded participants that removing barriers is vital for inclusion.

Marco Guot Ajiek, Executive Director of the Relief Aid and Community Care Organization, stressed that stronger coordination among civil society groups is essential for lasting peace. “It is about sharing a common vision, learning from each other, and changing mindsets on issues like cattle raiding,” he said.

By the end of the forum, participants agreed to set up six county coordination offices. Each will have a point of contact for sharing early warnings and peace updates. The network’s constitution was amended to ensure county representation in decision making.