JONGLEI – In South Sudan’s Jonglei state, intercommunal conflict and revenge attacks continue to prevent widespread social cohesion.

In a bid to prevent such violence in future and enable communities to settle disputes amicably, a need was felt to reframe customary laws to meet contemporary contexts.

A recent peace dialogue held jointly by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) brought together the Gawar and Lak Nuer communities from two counties – Ayod and Fangak – to discuss conflict resolution methods as well as ways to build community resilience.

Traditional leaders, women, and young people came together in spirited discussions that led to a unanimous ask – the need to hold perpetrators of violence accountable, thereby ensuring that families who have suffered receive the justice they deserve.

“We need accountability. We have suffered a lot and now age-old rivalries are being passed down to our children. This creates a legacy of hate rather than peace. If families who have suffered the impact of conflict directly can receive swift justice, the appetite for repeated cycles of violence will automatically lessen,” stated Grace Mathot, a women’s representative from Ayod, passionately.

Picking up from Ms. Mathot, Acting Governor of Jonglei state, Jacob Akech Dengdit, called for a unified approach by communities and authorities alike to usher in a lasting peace.

“We must unite if we are to collectively stop the senseless cycle of violence and revenge attacks. Our children deserve a better life,” he said at the conclusion of the forum.

The workshop ended with more than 40 resolutions and 15 recommendations related to peace, security, service delivery, rule of law, food security, livelihoods, good governance, gender equality and representation, among others.

These outcomes combine traditional conflict management mechanisms and localized reconciliation initiatives across Jonglei state with a clear focus on violence reduction, such as reviewing the Greater Fangak customary law that related to blood compensation to the tune of 80 cows for a human life. Other resolutions include construction of prisons and trauma healing centers, deployment of judges and counsels to counties, simultaneous disarmament and demobilization process, deployment of unified forces, empowerment of tradition leadership and dissemination of the peace agreement. 

“I want to commend the commitment of the traditional and local authorities of Ayod and Fangak counties towards peace and prosperity. UNMISS will support the implementation of these resolutions aimed at bringing peace and ending intercommunal conflict as well as fostering development,” averred Geetha Pious, the Head of the UNMISS Field Office in the region.

For his part, Biel Boutrus Biel, County Commissioner of Fangak, encouraged communities from both counties to action these recommendations.

“A workshop is only useful if all of us join efforts to convert resolutions into action. Let’s make sure the steps we have come up with here are put into practice among our people immediately,” he urged. 

Traditionally, conflict between the Gawer and Lak have remained unpredictable, despite interventions by UNMISS and other partners.

With the signing of these resolutions there is renewed hope of an end to this cycle of conflict.