Rival sections of the Nyang community in Rumbek Central County, Lakes State, have agreed to reconcile and merge their cattle camps following a two-day peace dialogue organized by Peace Canal, a local advocacy group.
The Dor, Awan and Yom communities signed 23 resolutions Wednesday to end long-standing conflicts, with support from the U.K. government’s Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund (POF).
Ron Malual, a Nyang youth leader, told Radio Tamazuj that the agreement addresses key conflict triggers, including alcohol consumption and shisha smoking in Rumbek town. He emphasized unity, stating, “The division that we are Dor, Awan or Yom must stop. We want to merge our cattle and move forward as one community.”
Community chiefs, including Malek Malou, said the resolution prohibits firearms in cattle camps, allowing only traditional wooden sticks for self-defense. “If you fight, use your fists—not guns,” Malou warned, adding that violators will face legal consequences.
Rumbek Central County Commissioner Dut Manak said the dialogue successfully addressed tensions among youth, particularly cattle keepers known as Gelweng. Key agreements included banning alcohol in camps and discouraging shisha smoking, which often draws youth away from their herds. A monitoring committee will report violations to local authorities.
Mary Arun Gol, Peace Canal’s Rumbek coordinator, said the deal was signed by chiefs, elders, women and government officials, including Lakes State’s peacebuilding minister, Nyanhok Malou Marial.
Marial urged forgiveness, stating, “Unity is your strength. Development comes through peace.” The community also agreed to pay blood compensation for past conflict victims.
The U.K.-funded initiative aims to stabilize the region after cycles of violence.