A three-day peace conference in Pochalla South County, in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, concluded Wednesday, bringing together traditional leaders, local officials, women and youth representatives.
Organizers said the grassroots initiative in the border town aimed to promote reconciliation following a 2023 conflict that left dozens dead and forced residents to flee.
Pochalla South County Commissioner Owety Olung said the meeting focused on restoring unity after divisions triggered by the killing of a local military figure.
On Sept. 17, 2023, Okony Okwom Othow, a former SSPDF commander in Pochalla, was shot dead at his residence by fellow soldiers, an incident that heightened tensions in the area.
“We resolved to put aside past grievances, forgive one another and begin a new chapter,” Olung said. “The 2023 incident should not continue to divide the community.”
Akway Nyigwo Akway, the Anyuak king in Pochalla, said the conference marked a turning point.
“It is not acceptable for the Anyuak community to remain divided,” he said. “We must unite and focus on rebuilding after years of destruction caused by past conflicts.”
The initiative was led by authorities in Pochalla South County, with neighboring Pochalla North County acting as guarantors. Pochalla North County Commissioner Okwier Ojulu described the conference as a historic step and called on communities to uphold the resolutions.
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