Jonglei and Pibor agree to halt child abduction and cattle raiding

BOR, NOV. 8, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – Authorities from Jonglei state and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) on Tuesday concluded a seven-day peace conference with a strong emphasis on ending child abduction and cattle rustling between communities in the two regions.

The week-long dialogue held in Ayod County brought together county commissioners, youth leaders, church leaders, and chiefs from various counties of Jonglei and GPAA.

Speaking on the final day of the peace dialogue, Jonglei state Minister for Peacebuilding Malual Gabriel Kon expressed satisfaction with the conference’s outcome.

“In this meeting, the communities of the two states, GPAA and Jonglei state, agreed to immediately stop road ambushes,” Malual stated. “They have also agreed to stop child abduction and women abduction. In this same meeting, the youth have agreed to disseminate messages of peace to their various counties.”

Malual further emphasized the importance of youth engagement in constructive activities, such as road clearing, to promote peace and stability.

James Chuol Jiek, Ayod county commissioner, highlighted the role of poor network connectivity in fueling insecurity between the two states.

“We have agreed that any place with no network connection should be provided with network, and any place with no drinking water should be provided with boreholes,” Chuol stressed. “We believe that this peace conference can bring about positive change in the relationship between Greater Pibor Administrative Area and Jonglei state.”

Pibor County commissioner John Gaing Tagono underscored the zero-tolerance policy towards criminal elements.

“We have agreed that any group of criminals or youth found mobilizing will not be tolerated,” Gaing affirmed. “We have also agreed that any abducted child will be retrieved without any ransom payments.”

Gaing also requested the installation of mobile networks in Greater Kubol, Greater Lukuangulei, and other areas to facilitate communication and enable timely action against criminal activities.

For decades, communities in Jonglei state and GPAA have been plagued by cattle rustling and child abduction. Despite previous peace accords, such as the Pieri Peace Agreement, these issues remain persistent.

The recent peace conference represents a renewed commitment to ending these harmful practices and fostering enduring peace between the communities of Jonglei state and GPAA.