Church leads reconciliation initiative in Eastern Equatoria

NIMULE – South Sudan Council of Churches has joined hands with Eastern Equatoria State government to end inter-communal fighting in the state.

Cattle raiding, revenge killing and land disputes have led to recurring cycle of conflict between Lohutok and Ibahure.

Church leaders led by Archbishop of Juba Archdioceses, Dr. Stephen Ameyu Martin met with Eastern Equatoria State Governor, Louis Lobong Lojore in his office on Tuesday to brief him about peace initiative with an aim to bring to end one of the longest disputes between villiages in Lopit land

Lohutok and Ibabure peace initiative headed by Archbishop of Juba Archdioceses, Dr. Stephen Ameyu Martin aims to promote healing and reconciliation between two communities Lohutok and Ibahure.

“We have come to Eastern Equatoria State to facilitate the reconciliation program between Lohutok and Ibabure villiage of Lopit community,” Ameyu said.

Ameyu reiterated their commitment to join efforts with the state government to reconcile the feuding communities in the state.

“We want to tell you that we have came here to mediate the conflict between Lohutok and Ibabure villiage of Lopit community to enable the two communities reach amicable solution for peace to prevail in the area,” Ameyu said.

The Archbishop called on politicians and intellectuals from the community to join hands with church to end cycle of communal violence in the area

Lopit land had generally been peaceful area but Lohutok and Ibahure cobflict has caused jitters among neighboring villages.

Lack of proper rule of law and security institutions in the area have empowered perpetrators.

He stressed the need to establish law and order mechanisms to enable the communities live in peace and harmony.

Eastern Equatoria State Governor, Louis Lobong Lojore cited scrambling for administrative units coupled with encroaching to others’ territories as major cause of conflicts.

“The government has put in place some measures to enforce law and order in the state and we are working hard to stabilize the security situation in Eastern Equatoria State,” Lobong said.