Aiming to end recurring violence, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and local residents of Mundri West County in Western Equatoria State signed a peace agreement today.

This came in the wake of growing mistrust between the two groups which over the past two weeks led to clashes between youth and soldiers in Greater Mundri, forcing thousands of people to flee from their homes to seek safety in bushes. 

The agreement was brokered by a faith-based group led by Bishop Paul Yogusuk, who said the church would continue to engage with the communities and SPLA to ensure that the peace pact is respected. 

“There is need for us to go and continue to dialogue with them,” he said. “You know they have taken up arms because of grievances which are still there. That is why we have resolved in our agreement that they should now report … our government institutions, so that they can be able to continue dialogue with the local authorities and see the way forward.”

Bishop Yogusuk called on the youth to be patient and that their concerns had been heard and it would not be impossible to find a solution.

Speaking to Radio Miraya, Deputy State Governor Bullen Abiatara said one of the key points of the agreement was that the community of Greater Mundri and the army would respect each other and that the youth and the army would refrain from any hostilities.

“The other point is the community will feel free to come back and continue with socio-economic development,” he said. “(Also), the SPLA soldiers who have caused atrocities in Mundri will be disciplined by their command.”

The agreement also noted that the local administration in Greater Mundri would keenly discuss with the leadership of the youth on ways to resolve the conflict and communities affected would be compensated for property lost.