JONGLEI – Two rival communities in South Sudan’s Jonglei state have agreed to establish a special court to resolve a long-running conflict that has killed at least 29 people since September, a state official said on Saturday.
The communities of Ayual and Hol, both of whom are subsections of the Dinka Bor Community, have been involved in clashes over fishing rights, with the latest violence occurring on July 19, according to Nyamar Lony Thichot Ngundeng, the state’s information minister.
“Both communities accepted legal procedures including arrest, investigations and trials to be effected as soon as possible to prevent further escalation. Both communities also agreed on the formation of a special court to try the case,” Ngundeng said in a statement extended to Sudans Post.
The conflict has caused the deaths of 19 people since September 2023, with the latest incident resulting in nine fatalities, she added.
The two communities have agreed to a three-month timeline to resolve the dispute, with local officials tasked with bringing suspects to justice.
“The process of solving the problem shall be completed within three months in phases. Two commissioners and two paramount chiefs are to bring the culprits from both sides to the State authorities,” Ngundeng said.
The minister expressed gratitude to state Governor Mahjuob Biel Turuk and his deputy Atong Kuol Manyang for facilitating the dialogue between the communities.