Fashoda and Akoka communities renew peace pact to protect civilians and restore safe movement

UPPER NILE - Communities from Fashoda and Akoka counties in South Sudan's Upper Nile State have renewed their commitment to peaceful coexistence through a revised local peace agreement aimed at protecting civilians, preventing further intercommunal violence, and restoring freedom of movement.

Separated by the River Nile, the two counties lie along one of the state's most important humanitarian and commercial transport corridors.

Recurring intercommunal conflict has disrupted the movement of people and goods, limited access to essential services, and undermined livelihoods that depend on farming, fishing, and livestock grazing.

At a two-day peace conference in Malakal, supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), community leaders, traditional chiefs, government officials, and partners established a 31-member Joint Peace Committee to promote dialogue, strengthen reconciliation, and oversee implementation.

Participants also reviewed and reaffirmed the 15-point resolutions adopted during the first peace initiative last year, which collapsed following renewed violence.

Chief Anyang Amol Anyang of Akoka County acknowledged the shortcomings of the previous agreement but expressed confidence in the renewed process.

"We have failed to implement the first agreement, but, again, we have agreed together on the reviewed recommendations, and with the joint committee members formed, we are going to implement it fully, because this peace is for all of us to protect our people and work for development."

Fashoda community leader Adwok Anyang Kak said traditional leaders have a shared responsibility to work with local authorities to maintain peace and protect their communities.

"We are the representatives of the people, and as chiefs, our responsibilities are to work together with our two county commissioners to help them so that we maintain peace and protect our people."

Akoka County Commissioner Awer Juach Kerjok urged both communities to embrace their shared heritage.

"People of Fashoda and Akoka are related by blood. There is no reason for us to fight each other. Let us embrace peace and follow the example of our parents and grandparents, who lived peacefully together."

Fashoda County Commissioner Onok Okach Lual emphasized that implementing the resolutions and restoring free movement would rebuild trust and enable communities to safely access livelihoods and essential services.

Acting Governor of Upper Nile State Deng Akuei Kak pledged government support for the Joint Peace Committee.

"You must coexist together and leave other issues to the responsibility of the government. Peace is a long journey but help yourselves, together with the state and local governments in your area."

UNMISS Officer-in-Charge of the Malakal Field Office, Paul Ebikwo said the peacekeeping mission, government authorities and other partners would monitor implementation of the renewed agreement, drawing on lessons from the previously unsuccessful initiative.

"We are glad that this review has expanded the process and reinforced the commitments."

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By Samson Liberty