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Moses Bul Deng Bul, Acting Chairman of the Ayual Community, expressed gratitude for the Jonglei State government’s efforts to mediate the conflict with the Duk community in the Toch region, which has claimed 19 lives since October 15, 2023.
“We appreciate the government’s efforts to convene the peace conference,” Deng Bul said. “We hope it will play a neutral and positive role in ending the conflict.”
However, Deng Bul criticized the decision to deploy troops only in Ayual-controlled areas, a proposal he said was initially made by the Hol Community and rejected by the Ayual during the peace conference.
“Bioth-Agany is a peaceful fishing community with families, children, and a school,” he said. “Deploying troops there is inappropriate and will not create an effective buffer zone.”
Deng Bul accused former Deputy Governor Jacob Akech Dengdit of backing the Hol Community’s territorial claims and interfering with the investigation into the October 15 killings.
“A true buffer zone should be established between the warring communities,” he said, proposing troop deployment in areas historically belonging to the Ayual Community.
The Ayual Community has called for legal action against those responsible for the October 15 killings and urged the government to remain impartial.
“This is a serious injustice that must not be allowed to continue,” Deng Bul said.
