The inhabitants of Bur Payam of Torit County in Eastern Equatoria State last week concluded a peace dialogue with calls to strengthen the local administrative and justice systems.
The dialogue aimed at finding home-grown solutions to the recurrent conflicts in the area and was organized by the state ministry of peacebuilding with support from Whittaker Peace Development Initiative (WPDI).
Bur Payam has in the recent past witnessed inter-communal violence, cattle raids, arson, road ambushes, and growing gender-based issues that resulted in the loss of lives and property.
According to some of the participants, the absence of administrative structures, lack of a justice system, and lack of head chiefs and police forces create gaps leading to a high crime rate.
“Strengthening administrative structures in Bur Payam by filling the gaps; appointment of a payam head chief, establishment of a police post, and deployment of police to support the chief to enforce law and order,” the resolutions read in part. “Creating a youth network consisting of all Boma representatives to provide early warning mechanisms and curb all crimes. Village courts to be done daily to address crimes and generate court fees.”
Mary Adong, the women’s representative in Bur Payam, lauded the government’s efforts to restore peace and unity in the area. She, however, appealed to community leaders to ensure the resolutions are implemented.
“We give thanks to you for coming to rescue our brothers and sons through this peace dialogue. These boys were in conflict, and we were worried until one person was killed, and that is when the conflict ended,” she said. “We appeal to our brothers from today onward to have sympathy and appreciate those who came to help us. Other issues related to robberies and other crimes should be handed over to the government.”
For his part, Samuel Ibou, a landlord in Bur Payam, warned women against inciting their sons and daughters to commit acts of violence.
“The government has brought us peace, and the women should not incite people otherwise; their homes will be closed,” he said. “We should accept the resolutions in front of God, and if anyone disrespects them, they will face the consequences.”
Fr. Auxilio Odume Raimondo, the director general at the state ministry of peacebuilding, urged the Bur Community to own, protect, and embrace peace for durable change to prevail.
“Peace is the right path for life because peace is development, peace brings changes in your life, it brings you to think in different ways,” he said. “This is your peace, it is not we who brought this peace. You own it, protect it, and then you will remain in peace because if you own it, you will benefit from this peace. Peace is a process; the end is not today, so we ask you to continue to work for it.”
Angelina Quintino Okun, an SPLM state lawmaker who represents the area, committed to working with relevant authorities to establish a police station and deploy law enforcement teams in the area.
“Let us continue to live in peace. We, your MPs, are going to follow up on the police station to be established,” she said. “Bur Payam people are generally welcoming, but you never know who is a criminal. If you arrest a suspect, do not kill or beat them, but hand them to authorities.”
The three-day dialogue was held under the theme “Grassroots peace initiative for sustainable development” and brought together hundreds of participants, including area lawmakers, intellectuals, youth, and women from different bomas in Bur.