Bor South chiefs end peace conference with tough resolutions on crimes

BOR – Chiefs and local leaders from Bor South County of South Sudan’s Jonglei state have concluded a three-day peace conference with a series of strict resolutions aimed at restoring peace, ending communal violence, and strengthening social order across the county.

The conference, held at Park Palace Hotel in Bor from May 7–9, 2026, brought together chiefs, the County Commissioner, Payam administrators, and Members of Parliament to discuss persistent insecurity and community conflicts affecting the area.

According to the conference resolutions, leaders agreed on measures targeting gang violence, cattle theft, alcohol consumption, abductions, and forced marriages.

Among the key resolutions adopted was a ban on the involvement of associations, unions, and community ventures in political, administrative, and social disputes. The conference also resolved that intellectuals accused of fueling communal conflicts would be held accountable under the law.

The chiefs further declared that gang members involved in crimes would face arrest and imprisonment, with some offenses carrying sentences of up to nine years.

In an effort to curb violence and disorder, the conference banned the consumption of locally brewed alcohol, warning that anyone found drinking local alcohol would face a fine of 500,000 South Sudanese Pounds and up to six months in prison.

The resolutions also addressed cattle theft, stating that offenders would be required to compensate victims with six cows and serve three months in prison in accordance with Dinka Bor customary laws.

The chiefs emphasized that land disputes must be handled through courts and warned wrestlers against engaging in violence during traditional wrestling matches, saying offenders would face imprisonment without bail.

On the issue of abductions, the conference directed that abducted women and children identified in villages be handed over to county authorities while abductors are prosecuted.

The conference additionally resolved to abolish forced and early marriages, describing the practice as contrary to customary and statutory laws.

Leaders also called on cattle camp communities currently residing in parts of Equatoria and Lakes State to return home, saying prolonged displacement has exposed communities to insecurity and loss of resources.

The resolutions were signed by several county officials and traditional leaders, including Bor County Commissioner Samuel Ateny Pech Arik, Paramount Chief Isaac Malaak Ayuen, and area Members of Parliament.

The conference concluded with participants pledging to implement the resolutions fully in order to promote peaceful coexistence and stability in Bor South County.