Hate Speech Ban Agreed in Twic County Youth Accord

(WARRAP) – Community leaders and civil society groups in Twic County have begun sharing the outcomes of a recent peace dialogue held between Twic and Ngok Dinka youth in Wau. The aim is to help local communities understand and support the peace agreement reached between the two groups.

The outreach campaign led by volunteer messengers covered six locations in Ajak-Kuac, Aweng, Turalei, Wunrok, Panyok and Akocthon. In each area, around 45 community stakeholders, including women, youth, elders, local officials, and intellectuals, gathered to receive the resolutions. These events were marked by traditional performances that helped energise and bring people together.

Twic elders and youth leaders took the opportunity to express their support for peace. Ayuel Ayuel, Executive Chief from Turalei, emphasised the importance of setting a good example.

“We must listen to our youth when they show us that dialogue can achieve more than violence. It is time to silence the drums of war,” he said.

Among the key outcomes of the Wau dialogue was a mutual agreement to immediately end hostilities, allow free movement of people and goods and stop all forms of hate speech. The resolutions were received positively by the local communities.

Resolutions from the Youth Dialogue in Wau

Abraham Yak, a youth leader from Wunrok, said the youth were no longer waiting for others to solve their problems.

“Through dialogue, we are rebuilding trust. The future begins with us,” he said.

One unresolved issue, the long standing land dispute in Anet, located south of the Kiir River, will be referred to national and local authorities for resolution. The communities agreed that both parties must be fully represented in the process.

Twic County Commissioner John Mabior has pledged support from the local government.

“We will provide protection for community gatherings, ensure safe movement and take action against those who spread hate speech. Our people deserve to live without fear,” he stated.

The event, titled “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence Between the Two Communities,” brought together representatives of Twic and Ngok Dinka youth, with the goal of addressing historical grievances and rebuilding relationships.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) supported both the youth dialogue and the outreach campaign. Georgina Sarfo Brobbey, a Civil Affairs Officer with UNMISS, praised the initiative.

“Peace starts with the people, not in government buildings. Twic County is a clear example of what reconciliation and resilience can look like,” she said.

Participants also urged authorities to help combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation, calling for increased cooperation with local media and joint community outreach efforts to strengthen the peace process.