11 March 2015 - Seeking to promote peace and enhance conflict management, UNMISS today concluded a training workshop for members of parliament in the Jonglei State capital Bor.

Legislators from different tribes and representing different constituencies attended the two-day training which aimed to enhance the capacity of Parliamentary Committee on Conflict management and emphasized the importance of resolving conflict through dialogue.

The Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, Moses Mayul, said it was vital to encourage disarmament among youth and communities in order to reduce escalating conflicts across South Sudan and particularly in the state.

Maker Chol Adhol, the parliamentary representative of Makuach and Anyidi payams appealed to the national government to involve the local authorities in resolving conflicts.

“People work with the local government (which has) overall power over these communities,” he said. “As such, we would like the government to strengthen, the community leaders and even the police. I think that will bring peace and harmony.”

Yusef Eijedian, a senior UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer said members of parliament would benefit from such trainings better when they coordinate with the national government.

He pledged to organize similar trainings in areas controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement / Army in opposition.

“We will be doing similar trainings in the opposition areas, (and areas like) Akobo," he said. "We are eager (because) people are able and willing to work together.”