14 November 2014- Residents of Greater Tonj area in Warrap State today started to participate in a peace conference aimed at resolving conflicts and addressing root causes of a decade old crisis.

Over 200 delegates from Tonj South, Tonj East and Tonj North counties which make up the area, as well as guests from Lakes and Western Bahr El-Ghazal states are attending the five-day forum held under the theme, “Unity of Tonj is our strength and division of Tonj is our fall”.

Inter-communal conflict in the area dates back to 1997, conference organizers noted, adding that clashes in recent months had resulted in over 100 deaths.

Addressing participants, the Presidential Advisor for Decentralization, Tor Deng Mawien, stressed that dialogue is the only means of peace and genuine coexistence.

“This is a land of reconciliation. People in the past have come here to resolve crisis. You need to maintain that tradition,” he said. “President Kiir says you should stop killing yourselves. Fighting and conflict are enemies of development.”

Warrap State Governor Nyandeng Malek Dielic welcomed the decision to organize the conference. She urged delegates to desist from conflict, noting that dialogue rather than war solves problems.

“Now that all the parties are present, please discuss and find solutions to the existing problems,” she said. “Dialogue is key in any community.”

The governor appreciated the role of UNMISS in organizing the conference, highlighting logistical support that the mission gave particularly in ensuring full representation of all parties and air transport for those coming from inaccessible areas.

UNMISS Warrap Acting State Coordinator Leda Limann outlined key points of the mission’s mandate including protection of civilians, human rights monitoring, facilitating delivery of humanitarian assistance and support to the peace process led by the Inter-governmental Authority on Development.

“This conference is (vital),” she said. “There will be no need for protection of civilians if there is peace, … no need for human rights monitoring if there is peace and good governance … and no need for humanitarian assistance if people are allowed to farm and live in peace.”