Over fifty community members of Bangasu Payam in Yambio county learn new skills on conflict management and resolution, the UNMISS mandate and other issues during a two day workshop organized by the UN Mission’s Civil Affairs Division (CAD), supported by the Human Rights Division and the Communication and Public Information Section.

Speaking to the participants, Game Dibeela, of the CAD said that it is important to conduct such workshops with the community of because there have been issues of looting, killing and harassment in the area which led the UNMISS to organize the workshop.
 
Game then added that disputes and misunderstandings within the community can result in greater conflict, and it is up to the community to identify those issues and find amicable solutions.

The secretary for the faith-based council in Western Equatoria, Rev. Elinama Jacob, urged the community of Bangasu to stand up and say no to conflict, looting and killing because the people in Yambio county have suffered far too much.

She then added, the faith-based council has been working hard to mediate between the armed youth and the government to bring permanent peace to the state, and they have toured most counties preaching messages of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation.

The Payam administrator of Bangasu Boma, Clement Pasio, was grateful to the UNMISS for conducting the workshop which was the first of its kind for them to learn about such vital issues such as conflict management, the UNMISS mandate and human rights.

Pasio urged the UNMISS to conduct another workshop in areas of conflict resolution and awareness. He also urged the participants to go home and pass the messages of peace and what they have learned during the workshop further into their communities.