23 January 2014 - Seeking a peaceful nomadic migration season this year, some 300 delegates from Sudanese and South Sudanese border communities began a three-day conference in Gok Machar, Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State.

Opening the event, Acting Governor Lino Adub Achier stressed the importance of peace and development in the two communities.

“South Sudan did not separate from Sudan to be disconnected from the world,” he said. “If you stay peaceful, there will be development. In both communities, development will bring education.’’

During the dry season each year from January to late May, the Sudanese nomadic Rezeigat community migrates south into South Sudan in search of water and grazing land for their animals.

The nomads pass through the land of the Dinka Malual in Northern Bahr El-Ghazal, which has led to violent clashes in the past.

Also attending the conference were senior government officials, women’s representatives, members of state security organs and an UNMISS team led by the State Coordinator Seth Kumi.

Rezeigat Paramount Chief Mohamoud Musa Madibo said he regretted previous hostilities, apologized for past actions and expressed hope for a better relationship with the Dinkas.

“We discover that we cannot live without South Sudan in general, and we cannot live without our brothers Dinka Malual,” the chief said. We are very, very sorry and very sad for … painful incidents in the past.’’

State Coordinator Kumi told the two communities that UNMISS would support their peaceful co-existence as well as sustainable peace in South Sudan in general.

“We see this migration as an important interdependence, and we in UNMISS will do our best to support … another peaceful migration,’’ Mr. Kumi said.