31 January 2014 - Seeking peaceful migration of livestock this year, more than 500 delegates from the Dinka Malual and Misseryia communities concluded a three-day conference today in Aweil East County, Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State.

The two communities agreed to allow Misseryia nomadic tribes access to water and pasture from South Sudan’s territory and the Dinka Malual commercial goods from the Misseyria areas of Sudan’s Western Kordofan State.

The Agreement was witnessed by senior government officials and UN representatives.

In closing remarks, Misseryia women’s representative Gisima Ibrahim Hamid expressed regret at the death of their sons in past conflicts, urging youths of her tribe to advocate for peace.

“Enough, enough for the sadness of the women,” Mr. Hamid said. “And orphans that remained without knowing … their fathers. Our youth who came here should listen and observe how we sat together with South Sudanese.”

Dinka Malual youth representative James Garang Arech said he had observed that Misseryia youth were serious about peace this year, calling on them to maintain it for development in the two communities.

UNMISS State Coordinator Seth Kumi said the mission would support the peaceful migration of Misseryia nomads.

The conference was supported by the non-governmental organization VISTAS, UNMISS and the state Peace Commission.