A large section of boda-boda motorcyclists and security officials in Yei River area have resolved to end hatred and mistrust between them to foster peaceful coexistence and build social cohesion.

The commitment was made at the conclusion of a one-day trust and confidence-building workshop organized by the Civil Affairs Division of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The workshop brought together at least 50 participants.

A rise in the level of mistrust and suspicion between the riders – many of whom were being accused of being rebels or rebel sympathizers in the heat of the fighting in the area between 2016 and 2018 – saw many boda-boda riders being either beaten up, thrown behind bars or brutally killed by security forces.

“We cannot continue with this hatred between us and the organized forces. Time is ripe for us to forget the ugly past, rebuild broken bridges, and embrace genuine reconciliation,” said Patrick Tiondi, deputy chairperson of the Boda-Boda Association in the area.

“You are in a new dawn of peace and trust because your discussions have been candid; a manifestation that you will seize a new chapter of hope and love for each other as a peace agreement has been signed,” said James Mugo, UNMISS Team Leader at Yei base.

Mr. Mugo further urged the two-wheeled vehicle drivers to establish linkages with the organized security forces, saying: “You have to build a proper organizational structure, continue advocating for the registration of your association and develop by-laws to help govern and regulate your trade.”

The local inspector of police in Yei River County says motorcyclists should be mindful of their passengers and pedestrians, obey all traffic rules, avoid drunken driving and impose self-discipline to be on the same boat with the police.

Consantino Juma, a boda-boda rider and participant, said he has been a motorcycle driver for 13 years now, describing the skillset he has gained at the workshop as valuable. He said it would help him enhance his business skills and observe traffic rules and regulations.

Mr. Juma said that some of the misunderstandings between the traffic police and the motorcyclists were caused by the riders themselves:

“Sometimes when [the] traffic police blow the whistle for you to stop, you just increase the speed and ride away. But I am sure when we go out from here today, we will follow the traffic laws and listen to the police when they stop us,” he said, adding, “We are helping the community a lot in times of illness – in an event that vehicles have no access to some villages due to bad roads.”

Juma’s colleague, Nicholas Niko, said that the training has well equipped him with all the skills, adding that he would now respect traffic rules and regulations and use effective communication skills to bargain with duty traffic police officers other than evading them.

“I am advising all my fellow boda-boda riders to respect the traffic rules and regulations in order to foster good work environment with the police,” Mr. Niko said.