JONGLEI/GREATER PIBOR - A National Accountability conference, hosted by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has concluded with political leaders signing a joint communique and action plan to prevent intercommunal conflict and strengthen rule of law in the troubled Jonglei and Greater Pibor Administrative Areas (GPAA).

The commitments include strengthening community collaboration in crime prevention, advocating for new infrastructure and services, establishing joint security forces, a special court, and rule of law coordination mechanisms , as well as a protection cluster to respond to abduction, cattle raiding sexual violence and other crimes.

“This vicious cycle of revenge will continue from both sides if we, the communities and the Government from these two areas, think the solutions will come from outside rather than within us,” says Atong Kuol Manyang, Jonglei State Deputy Governor, stressing the need for a locally driven response.

The violence in this region of South Sudan is characterised by a cycle of revenge attacks, including the economically motivated and deeply rooted practice of cattle raiding and abducting women and children for power and profit.  The initiative to drive change through the three-day conference, supported by the UNMISS Rule of Law and Security Institutions Section, brought together senior ministers from both areas, members of civil society, justice institutions, representatives from organized forces, as well as youth and women’s groups.

“Criminal activities, such as cattle raiding and abduction, if they are left unaddressed, will continue to undermine good governance, personal safety, and peace efforts,” stated UNMISS Police Commissioner, Christine Fossen. “This reality highlights the urgency of implementing the solutions discussed here and turning them all into concrete actions.”

The newly appointed Chief Administrator of the GPAA pointed to many challenges that need to be overcome, including tribalism, traditional law favoured over formal judicial processes, youth being better armed than police, and a lack of unity.

“If the government officials are not able to each other to say that this crime has been committed by my people, this time your side is innocent, if you don’t tell the truth, how will you expect peace to come?” said GPAA Chief Administrator, Peter Gazule Maze.

“If we, as governors or chief administrators, cannot sit together and design one mechanism that can deter cattle raiding, child abduction, road ambushes and road blockages, how can peace come?”

UNMISS is committed to continuing all efforts to support the action plan and help build a united approach to deterring violence and strengthening rule of law as the pathway to sustainable peace.

“The endorsed action plan is a roadmap for building a society where accountability is not just a concept but a lived reality for all,” said UNIMSS Director of Civil Affairs, Hiroko Hirahara.

“Let us aspire to a future where children can grow without fear of abduction, women are empowered and protected, communities reconcile and build trust, and justice systems are equitable, accessible. and resilient.”

The outcomes of the Action Plan will be evaluated by a Joint Review Committee in six months’ time.