UNMISS likely to support community dialogue in Terekeka

UNMISS likely to support community dialogue in Terekeka

An UNMISS team visiting Terekeka to discuss the need for inter-communal dialogue. Photo: UNMISS/James Sokiri

17 Oct 2016

UNMISS likely to support community dialogue in Terekeka

James Sokiri

Authorities in Terekeka State are calling on the UN Mission in the country to help communities dialogue in order to foster peaceful co-existence.

The call was made during a recent UNMISS visit to the area, aimed at exploring opportunities of mutual interest.

According to the Security Advisor of Terekeka County, Martin Mikaya, the county is plagued by high prevalence of inter-communal land and cattle related conflicts.

Mr. Mikaya said that the intra-state and border conflicts among communities in Terekeka often result in loss of lives and property, and that these incidents could disintegrate the social fabrics of the state if not swiftly redressed.

However, challenges relating to support from partners loom large.

“Our major challenge… lies in shortfalls of funding. We do not have funds to support peace and reconciliation initiatives both inside and with our neighbours”, said Clement Kulang Gai, County Commissioner of Terekeka County.

Gai appealed to UNMISS to help the government of Terekeka in this endeavor, especially through funding local dialogues and training endeavours for the youth.

This, he said, would help develop the youth’s problem-solving, conflict management and conflict mitigation skills, so that the trainees could in turn extend the same know-how to their peers in the cattle camps as well.

UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer Anne Schuit said that UNMISS’ visit was to consult with various stakeholders, including the youth, women and elders in Terekeka, in order to acquaint itself with the problems at hand.

“The Civil Affairs Division is considering engaging with the government, chiefs and elders, as well as with various stakeholders and affected communities in order to field a common ground to design an appropriate, inclusive dialogue,” Ms. Schuit said.

Ms. Schuit’s colleague Olivia Victoria said that UNMISS would also help train local stakeholders to find a home-grown awareness programme. Such an initiative could make the local youth understand the benefits of cattle and teach communities how to solve conflicts without resorting to violence.