CENTRAL EQUATORIA – A peacebuilding dialogue among civilians and South Sudanese military personnel in Lobonok payam [administrative division] in Juba concluded with a clarion call to build trust, confidence and foster harmonious living.

Years ago, relations between communities and uniformed actors here soured when fighting between government security forces against armed elements of the National Salvation Front spread to the area resulting in forced civilian recruitment, not to mention challenges such as movement restrictions, checkpoint charges, arbitrary arrests as well as killings, displacement, criminality, and child abduction.

This dialogue, organized and funded jointly by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) Civil Affairs Division and Child Protection Unit brought together some 90 participants with one aim: to foster trust between uniformed actors and the civilian population.

“We, as UNMISS, support uniformed actors, civilians, and local authorities to develop skillsets that will enable them to let go of existing acrimony, negative stereotypes, while embracing individual and collective responsibilities to protect the population,” said Mawa Saturlino, an UNMISS Community Liaison Assistant.

Partners and community members were thrilled to have such an interactive space aimed at promoting peace at the local level.

“I have learnt that the relationship between military personnel and civilians is pivotal for the development of our young nation,” emphasized Colonel Kuol Mayen, Central Equatoria state’s Team Leader for the Joint Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (JVMM).

For her part, Joyce Keji, a women’s representative from Lobonok, was also happy with the initiative.

“I am delighted that we have held frank discussions. The passionate appeal for coherence exhibited here is a living testimony for years to come. Power resides in love and unity,” she stated passionately.

“We are happy to see our military officers transporting the sick, infirm and women in labour in their own vehicles for medical attention,” she continued.

Showcasing military actors’ commitment to peace, Captain William Deng, South Sudan National Security Officer, announced immediate implementation of new measures.

“All restrictions at checkpoints will be removed from today onwards; actions count,” declared Captain Deng. “Kindly report anyone asking for money to relevant authorities so that we can take speedy action,” he added.

Samuel Olaoye Agboola, a Human Rights Officer with the UN Peacekeeping mission, highlighted the vital role played by government and local authorities in upholding the rights of all citizens.

“State actors have an obligation and responsibility to uphold, respect, and fulfill their citizens’ human rights against any violation,” he averred.

Picking up from Mr. Agboola, Daniel Wani, Acting payam Director, invited stakeholders to introduce activities such as sports, cultural galas, and inter-community dialogues to boost social cohesion and heal trauma.

“It is incumbent upon us to build a future where everyone is equal and can work together,” he said.

Child rights were another key discussion point.

“We must prevent the six grave child rights violations: recruitment and use of children, killing and maiming, sexual violence, child abduction, denial of aid, and occupation of schools and hospitals,” emphasized Lieutenant Colonel Albeno Omoyang Amedeo, member of the state’s Child Protection Technical Committee.

Colonel Kuol Mayen, JVMM Team leader, agreed.

“Our responsibility as state actors is to provide an enhanced protective environment for all children within our jurisdiction by removing them from armed forces and halting further recruitment and use,” he stated.

In the same vein, Lieutenant Colonel Alberto Omoyang Amedeo requested government actors to uphold justice.

“We must criminalize these offenses, investigate and prosecute perpetrators as well as facilitate the release of all children in our ranks,” said Amedeo.

The event concluded with the formation of eight boma-based peace committees.