OTALLO - Under the shade of a large tree beside the airstrip at the Anyuak Kingdom headquarters in Otallo, Greater Pibor, community leaders gather for a conversation about peace, unity and the future of their community.
The tree is a familiar meeting place where residents gather to discuss issues affecting their lives, ranging from security and education to water, development and relations with neighbouring communities.
This time, the discussion is focused on the sensitive topic of how the Anyuak community can overcome internal divisions and build a common path towards reconciliation with the Murle.
Supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the dialogue brought together political leaders, traditional chiefs, elders, women, youth, and faith-based representatives. The aim is to rebuild trust within the community and lay the foundations for future Anyuak–Murle peace efforts.
Relations between these communities have been strained by persistent incidents of attacks, child abductions, cattle raiding, and competition over natural resources.
The tensions have deepened mistrust and complicated efforts to build lasting peace. Internal divisions within the Anyuak community have added another layer of difficulty.
UNMISS’ Civil Affairs Division has been engaging intensively with community and political leaders to help rebuild trust and create space for inclusive dialogue.
For local leaders, addressing insecurity is a top priority.
“We have serious challenges, including killings and abductions. What our people want is peace,” explains sub-chief, Oduong Chamchale. “We do not want to see more lives lost, and we do not want our country to fall apart again. We are calling for stronger efforts from the government and all stakeholders to protect our communities and restore peace.”
Elder, Oman Obel Cham, said peace would allow communities to focus on strengthening education, health services, business and economic development.
“Where there is peace, there is prosperity. UNMISS is our partner for peace, and we must work together to overcome the challenges facing our people.”
For women in Otallo, peace is closely connected to everyday challenges, including access to education, clean water, and safe transportation.
Women’s representative, Abang Akway, explains how persistent insecurity on the roads is creating immense challenges for families, including forcing them to send their children outside of the area and even across the border into Ethiopia to continue their education beyond primary level.
“Access to education is also very difficult. When we send our children to Pochalla, the road is not safe. We worry about our daughters travelling long distances because they can encounter people who may harm or even kill them.”
The dialogue also provided an opportunity for community leaders to recognize the important partnership with UNMISS in strengthening security and building peace.
“UNMISS’ monitoring of the situation and physical presence gives our communities confidence that we are not alone. When something happens in Otallo, they stand with us in times of need,” said Acting King Gilo Omot.
UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Okelo Christopher, said the peacekeeping mission remains committed to supporting communities to find locally led solutions to resolve their differences.
“We are aware of the challenges communities face and stress the importance of addressing our differences through dialogue and cooperation, without losing another life.”
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By Mach Samuel
