(JONGLEI) – Community members from areas around Nyirol County have taken part in a peace forum aimed at resolving long standing disputes and finding peaceful solutions.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan brought together about 50 community members for the dialogue.
Nyakoang Lam Bath, a women representative, said differences should not destroy relationships. She said dialogue, forgiveness and cooperation can rebuild trust.
She also said sustainable peace requires collective efforts from authorities, traditional leaders, women, youth and other groups.
Tut Maluok Chop, a youth leader, appealed to young people and elders to reject violence, cattle theft and road ambushes. He urged them to take part in peacebuilding activities so their communities can unite.
He said communities need to come together to protect civilians, especially children, women and the elderly. He called for early warnings, respect for the law and accountability.
The establishment of early warning systems was one of the main topics discussed.
Matuom Majuet Thoan, a cattle camp youth representative, said people need to prevent violence before it starts by listening to each other, reporting concerns to authorities and security forces, and engaging those close to conflict in peaceful conversation.
Paramount Chief Mabil Hoth gave an example of a conflict prevention mechanism. He referred to a recently formed peace committee in his Gaatbal community that coordinates peacebuilding activities, monitors tensions, facilitates dialogue and follows up on reported incidents.
He said the community decided to commit to dialogue instead of violence, reconciliation instead of revenge, and unity instead of division.
Hoth proposed forming similar committees in neutral places such as Majok, Nyambor or Uror County, where conflict prone parties from across the state could meet in a safe space and benefit from impartial peace mediation.
Beverly Mac-Ocloo, a Civil Affairs Officer with UNMISS, said the mission is committed to supporting such initiatives. She said the primary responsibility rests with the Government and affected communities.
She said UNMISS is not there to tell the people of Pading or anywhere else what solutions to pursue. She said peace must be owned by the people themselves to make it sustainable, and the mission’s role is to provide a platform for people to speak, listen to one another, identify common interests and develop practical ways forward.
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