Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok has led a delegation of senior state officials on a five-day peace mission to Ayual in Twic East County and Hol in Duk County, seeking to resolve a long-running dispute between the two communities over the Buothagangy fishing area.
The conflict, which began in 2023, has persisted despite repeated appeals by civil society groups for mediation and dialogue.
The delegation, which arrived on Wednesday, is expected to hold consultations with traditional leaders, youth representatives, women’s groups and local authorities in an effort to promote reconciliation and reach a lasting settlement.
“The government of Jonglei State remains committed to promoting peace and unity among all communities,” State Information Minister Nyamar Ngudeng told reporters on Thursday.
“By engaging the affected communities directly in their areas, we believe we can foster trust and achieve sustainable solutions to the conflict,” she said.
Ngudeng said the peace mission forms part of a broader government effort to address communal violence across the state.
“We are taking peace to the people. Another delegation led by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs is currently engaging communities in northern Jonglei to address local conflicts and strengthen social cohesion,” she said.
The chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network, Bol Deng Bol, welcomed the initiative, saying it demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the affected communities.
“The visit demonstrates the government’s willingness to listen to the concerns of the affected communities. We appreciate this effort and hope it will pave the way for meaningful reconciliation,” he said.
Bol urged the state government to establish a permanent mediation mechanism to maintain dialogue between the two communities and oversee implementation of any peace agreement.
He also called for security forces to remain in areas vulnerable to violence to help prevent renewed clashes and create conditions for dialogue.
“The communities should remain open to discussions and work together toward a peaceful future. Dialogue is the most effective path to resolving differences and restoring harmony,” he said.
The delegation includes the speaker of the Jonglei State Transitional Legislative Assembly, the governor’s legal affairs adviser, members of the state cabinet, lawmakers and commissioners from Bor, Uror and Ayod counties.
The mission is expected to conclude after a series of community consultations aimed at restoring peace and improving relations between the neighbouring communities.
and then