The traditional and political authorities of Eastern and Western Lakes States ended last week by holding a joint two-day peace conference in order to mitigate cross-border killings and cattle-related conflicts.

The conference, held in Rumbek under the theme “Promoting a community based conflict resolution mechanism through dialogue, peace and reconciliation”, recommended three resolutions: a complete and forceful disarmament of the civil population; the establishment of effective border courts and immediate trial of border offences and the formation of Combined Peace Committees both at state and county levels.

The UNMISS Head of the Rumbek Field Office, Mr. Kwame Dwamena Aboagye, stressed the importance of peace and urged the two sister states to address issues before they escalate into motives for conflict.

“Peace is very important for human and economic growth; we cannot develop if there is no peace. International NGOs and other potential investors left the country due to the ongoing war and insecurity. However, there is an end to everything. I hope this conference will mark the end of killings and cattle raiding between the two sisterly states,” Kwame stated.

The governor of Western Lakes State, Mr. Abraham Makoi Bol soon reciprocated.

“I would like to thank UNMISS and CEPO (Community Empowerment for Progress Organization) for supporting this conference. What remains is the implementation of the agreed resolutions. I assure you that the two governments will translate them into actions for peace to prevail between citizens of our states”.