A nine-day conference on peaceful coexistence in Kafia Kingi, a disputed area along the Sudan-South Sudan border near the Central African Republic, has ended with representatives of 41 tribes agreeing to resolve local disputes through customary mechanisms.
South Sudan claims Kafia Kingi as part of Raja County in Western Bahr el-Ghazal State, while Sudan administers the area as part of South Darfur State.
The conference, which began on 21 September, brought together traditional leaders and community representatives from Kafia Kingi and surrounding areas.
Speaking at the closing session, Kafia Kingi Omda Bashir Adam Mohammed thanked traditional leaders from neighbouring areas for attending the conference. He said their participation demonstrates a commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation among communities.
He also praised local women for their continued support for residents in the area.
Kafia Kingi police chief Al-Ghali Bashar Bashir said the area is home to communities from diverse backgrounds. He said the conference was intended to promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen social cohesion and improve relations among communities.
He described security as a shared responsibility between the authorities and local communities.
Yousif Ali Al-Ghali, paramount chief of the Habbaniya tribe, called for the conference’s recommendations to be distributed across the localities of Greater Buram.
Ibrahim Al-Shughail, identified as the Rapid Support Forces commander in Kafia Kingi, called on communities to reject division and discrimination and to respect local customs, traditions and cultures.
He also urged people who had left the area to return and contribute to its reconstruction, saying communities should be treated equally and that there was enough land for everyone.
The conference concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence and resolving community disputes through customary mechanisms.
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