Three-day inter-state dialogue concludes in Lakes State

RUMBEK – An inter-state dialogue on peace among three neighboring states of Warrap, Unity, and Lakes organized by the Wunlit Triangle and supported by Safer World, concluded after drawing 50 participants from across the three states.

The Minister of Peacebuilding in Lakes State, Beny Matur Mathiang, emphasized the significance of the dialogue, spanning three days and involving Lakes, Unity, and Warrap states. He highlighted its continuity from the previous year, aiming to bring border communities together for dialogue and reviewing the progress made since the last conference.

“Some resolutions were agreed upon and signed. They have come to review the implementation status, both by partners and the government. While some resolutions have seen progress, others remain stagnant,” Mathiang stated, attributing the lack of implementation to various factors, including the incomplete deployment of unified forces across the borders.

He noted some achievements, such as the construction and renovation of police posts in certain areas of Lakes State yet acknowledged the need for further action.

“In Warrap, some resolutions, even those involving partners, remain unimplemented. However, there is now a commitment to address these gaps jointly by the partners and the government,” Mathiang summarized the outcomes of this year’s conference, emphasizing the theme of action for peace and the agreement to establish border peace committees and a border court to address issues like cattle raiding and violence.

Daniel Laat Kon, a facilitator of the three-day peace dialogue, described the event as a continuation from the previous year’s resolutions, focusing on fostering peace in conflict-prone border areas. He highlighted prevalent issues such as cattle raiding and land disputes and outlined resolutions aimed at enhancing security and communication infrastructure along the borders.

“You see, this is a follow-up from last year’s meeting. The participants came up with plans on how to live peacefully in the areas where there have been conflicts,” he explained.

“We came this year to review the resolutions from last year and to come up with new ones. These resolutions are about making peace along the border. When you look at most of the issues discussed on the same day, you’ll see what I mean,” he added.

Kon emphasized the importance of community participation and governmental support in implementing the agreed-upon resolutions, which include establishing joint border police and improving road connectivity and telecommunications for better security and early warning systems.

The participants, comprising chiefs, women, and youth leaders, committed to action plans aimed at addressing ongoing challenges, including the return of looted cattle and the disarmament of civilians to promote stability and peace.

William Paul, the paramount chief of Panyijiar County in Unity State, stressed the collaborative efforts to address border issues affecting communities, particularly focusing on cattle raiding and road ambushes. He highlighted the need for infrastructure development and government support to facilitate peaceful coexistence between neighboring counties.

“Now, we spent 3 days here discussing border issues that affecting the community. As per now, we came up with the resolutions because the major things are cattle raiding, road ambushes, and cattle theft,” he said.

“Also, we requested that the government of South Sudan should make a must arms disarmament to remove guns in the hands of civilians and also we requested that if government of South Sudan. We are going to do elections for the second, we requested the government of South Sudan to provide enough security so that people of South Sudan can move freely and can vote freely so that the nation will be wide enough,” he added.

Kon Arop, the paramount chief of Tonj North County in Warrap State, echoed the sentiments of peace and disarmament, emphasizing the role of firearms in perpetuating conflicts and advocating for their removal from civilian hands.

Sultan Sabit Kuac Manyiel, the paramount chief of Among-piny Payam in Rumbek Central County, underscored the urgency of implementing disarmament laws and urged cooperation among neighboring states to curb violence and cattle theft.

Apieng Malou Nhial, representing Tonj North County in Warrap State, emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in peacebuilding efforts, highlighting the disproportionate impact of conflicts on women and the need for their voices to be heard in peace negotiations.

She urged for sustained peace efforts across the three states to mitigate violence and create a safer environment for all residents, particularly women and children, who often bear the brunt of conflict-related atrocities.

“We urge President Salva Kiir Mayardit to prioritize disarmament efforts to prevent further violence and instability caused by the proliferation of firearms,” Nhial concluded, emphasizing the crucial role of disarmament in promoting lasting peace and security in South Sudan.”