6 February 2014 - Seeking to promote peace, Warrap State Governor Nyandeng Maliek Dielic today called on residents of Tonj North County to desist from revenge attacks and counter cattle raids.

The governor was speaking during a one-day fact finding mission to remote Majak Lou locality, 114 kilometres north of the state capital Kuajok, following an attack in the area on 31 January which left dozens of people dead.

Ms. Nyandeng said the attack was carried out by “criminals aligning themselves with anti-government forces from neighbouring Unity State”.

“Refuse to be used by greedy politicians as some of them will want to create insecurity to insinuate that a female governor is weak and cannot stand firm,” she said, adding that the ongoing crisis in the country is political and not based on ethnic differences.

There were reports of calls for revenge from women and elderly people in the locality after the attack, which resulted in the governor’s visit to the area to emphasize that it was vital to uphold peace.

As part of its role to support conflict mitigation, protection of civilians and extension of authority, UNMISS provided air transport for the state government delegation, which included three ministers and the state police commissioner.

A team from the mission led by Acting State Coordinator Isaac Lappia also traveled with the delegation as impartial observers.

“Your cooperation not to attack the people of Unity doesn’t make you weak or lazy but proves that you are peaceful and understand the true meaning of co-existence,” said the governor.

She expressed sympathy for those who were bereaved and wounded as a result of the raid and promised to fully support organized forces to protect people and cattle keepers.

“I know the dry season will be difficult but don’t cross into Unity to attack and raid cattle,” said Ms. Nyandeng. “Consult, coordinate and cooperate with the organized forces when you decide to take your cattle for grazing. They are here to protect you.”

At the end of the visit, the governor said her visit had been successful as the people had promised not to attack Unity State.

“We are not going to attack (the people) of Unity State,” said Majak Lou, a youth representative. “All we need now is the organized forces to protect us.”