Community leaders, authorities and residents from Yambio and Nzara counties, Western Equatoria State, concluded a two-day conference Tuesday aimed at resolving border tensions, addressing insecurity linked to cattle herders and strengthening local development.
The meeting in the Women Empowerment Centre in Yambio sought to tackle issues including disputes over land, resource conflicts and improving public services.
Elia Richard Box, the conference chairperson and former deputy governor of Western Equatoria state, said the gathering was non-political and focused on empowering communities through unity and economic development.
“This is our fourth conference, and we stand against discrimination and tribalism,” Box said. “We are working together for education, health, agriculture and a peaceful community.”
Dr. Isaac Aziz Bazuba, a participant, raised issues of insecurity caused by the movements of Ambororo pastoralists, disputes over land ownership, youth unemployment and conflicts involving a commercial timber company in Nzara.
“We will prioritize land issues, youth skills training and addressing Ambororo insecurity so peace and development can return,” Bazuba said.
Yambio Municipality Mayor Fozia Abbas Barnaba said resolutions were made to form a committee to investigate illegal land sales and to address border disputes between Yambio and Nzara.
“The community agreed they do not want Ambororo because of insecurity,” Barnaba said. “A committee will follow up land grabbing cases and present findings to the assembly.”
Western Equatoria State Governor James Altaib Berapai welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen coexistence and guide solutions to long-standing challenges.
Participants called for stronger collaboration with authorities, investment in education and youth training, agricultural support and improved infrastructure to promote long-term peace in the region.