The communities of Mura-Hatiha and Tirangore, located in Torit County’s Hiyalla Payam in Eastern Equatoria State, have finally reconciled, marking a notable shift in their longstanding conflict.
This resolution comes after a year of violence that resulted in nearly 30 fatalities and numerous injuries, underscoring the dire need for a peaceful resolution. The latest violence occurred earlier this week, when two women were shot dead, and two children were injured. The latter are currently receiving treatment at Torit State Hospital.
On Thursday, hundreds of community members gathered at the SPLM state compound to engage in dialogue to address the underlying issues that fueled the conflict. The meeting was attended by several members of the state cabinet, lawmakers, organized forces, and civil society representatives, who came together to address the pressing issues of contention.
Key among these issues is the demarcation of borders that has historically instigated conflicts between the two groups. Additionally, there is a strong demand for the arrest of those responsible for the violence, with community leaders calling for continuous scrutiny and urgent justice measures to uphold the newfound peace.
George Oboi, the Boma chief of Murahatiha, expressed his gratitude and optimism following the reconciliation.
“Today (Thursday), I am very happy for the peace we have achieved. The governor called us together with the people of Tirangore, and we are truly grateful for what has happened. We do not want any conflict to arise again,” he stated. “Conflict has never been beneficial for us. From now until tomorrow, the road will be open, and people are free to move about in Torit Town. This is great news.”
For his part, Jennisio Okilla Gilberto Oliha, the sub-chief of Tirangore Village, lauded the government’s intervention.
“I thank the government very much; they have helped us believe in peace. We stand united for peace and accept it as a community,” he said. “The conflict had been a serious concern in our Payam of Hiyalla, but it is now behind us.”
Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore, while addressing the meeting, urged the former adversaries to communicate the importance of maintaining peace to the youth who may still be involved in patrols in the bushes.
“You have all agreed, and from today, no one should cause chaos again,” he said. “For the crimes committed, families affected must open cases, as you all know the identities of the suspects.”
Lobong stressed the importance of self-regulation among neighbors to foster harmony, stating that the government cannot impose solutions on how communities manage their borders.
“Come up with your own laws; the government cannot force you,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Vitale Abure Benjamin, the Deputy Secretary General for Civil Society Network for Eastern Equatoria State and Executive Director of VINA, thanked the state’s leadership and all stakeholders involved in the peace process.
“We appreciate the leadership’s initiative to unite these two conflicting parties and look forward to the ceremonial event planned for Saturday at the border between Tirangore and Mura,” he noted.
Abure emphasized the need for continued support from civil society and youth leadership to sustain the peace initiative, underscoring that the opening of roads for movement and trade is crucial for the communities.
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