The three-day forum brought together state leaders, chiefs, youth leaders, religious leaders, and women leaders from the two states.
Addressing the occasion, Jonglei State Governor Riek Gai Kok expressed gratitude to the organisers and development partners for their consistent investment in peace sensitisation campaigns and community dialogue.
“You have made huge investments in peace, sanitising our people for lasting harmony. Now, the ball is in the government’s court,” said Gai.
The Governor called for stronger inter-communal trade linkages and highlighted the state’s responsibility to support local development and security.
“It is our responsibility as a State Government to tackle these criminals and restore full stability,” said Mr. Gai.
Peter Guzulu Maze, the Chief Administrator of GPAA, said the Governor’s sentiments, describing the forum as a historic occasion for Jonglei, Greater Pibor, and their partners.
Acknowledging the painful losses from past conflicts, he urged communities to embrace a renewed sense of love and unity, encouraging them to “be ambassadors of peace.”
Guzulu advocated for improved road connectivity, specifically the opening of the Yuai Road, to facilitate peaceful youth movement and agricultural development.
“We need land access in Lekongole, Akobo, Malaka and other key regions for agriculture. Recovery must go hand-in-hand with infrastructure development,” said Guzulu.
He affirmed ongoing efforts to recover abducted children and pledged the return of stolen cattle to their rightful owners as a demonstration of commitment to reconciliation.
Meanwhile, Jonglei State Peacebuilding Minister Malual Gabriel Kon applauded all peace implementers and called for deeper reconciliation measures.
He proposed the establishment of a National Youth Service program to foster unity among young people and discourage ethnic divisions, stating, “We must build one national youth, our people in the farthest corners deserve the same peace dividends and development as anyone else,” said Kon.
The peace forum served as a crucial platform for dialogue, reaffirming the shared commitment of all stakeholders to end cycles of violence and build a peaceful, prosperous future across Jonglei and the GPAA.
