The leaders of the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya from the three migration corridors, along with the Joint Community Peace Committee, last week signed a joint communique reiterating their commitment to peaceful coexistence and improving inter-communal relations.
According to a Monday press statement from United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), the conference followed a largely peaceful migration season without major security incidents, signifying growing trust and collaboration between the communities.
“Organized by UNISFA in collaboration with Concordis International, IOM, UNDP, and FAO, the conference provided a platform for more than 160 community leaders to tackle emerging issues during the just concluded migration season, which saw thousands of Misseriya herders and their cattle migrate peacefully,” the statement reads in part. “Notably, women leaders of the three corridors comprised 41 percent of participants—a reflection of growing gender inclusion in local peace efforts.”
UNISFA Mission Chief of Staff, Alexander Rose, commended the communities for their leadership throughout the season and reiterated the significance of the conference as a critical platform for building trust, resolving tensions, and reinforcing peace.
“The signing of the communique is not only a demonstration of your leadership but also your desire to coexist peacefully through dialogue and cooperation,” he said. “UNISFA, together with its partners, will support the follow-up to the resolutions. And with your support, we will remain vigilant in light of recent security incidents, which could impact the security in the area.”
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the migration corridors and the rights of the herders and host communities. They pledged to reinforce security along the corridors, especially the western corridor and Amiet market; combat criminality; support law-and-order community-based mechanisms; and reactivate corridor committees with active youth participation to monitor grazing activities. They called for greater inclusion of women and youth in peace dialogues and in crafting resolutions.
“The Abyei seasonal migration has two key migration cycles, the southward migration which occurs at the beginning of the dry season and the northward post-migration at the beginning of the rainy season, during which the mainly Misseriya herders return to their origins, with their livestock,” UNISFA said. “The season exerts significant pressure on the already strained resources, including essential services, water, security, and even land ownership. Yet, this movement remains essentially important for the livelihoods of both the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka communities.”