25 October 2013 - Concluding a two-day workshop on inter-communal conflict, Warrap youth today recommended ways of tackling violence due to cattle-raiding, including education and lower dowries.

Kuajok National Secondary School students opened the UNMISS-organized activity with a drama portraying how cattle-raiding leads to inter-communal violence and other destabilizing effects.

The drama’s core message was that youth should play a vital role in ending conflicts through active participation in peace activities, as they will become future leaders, shapers and nation-builders of the country.

Participants then debated causes, consequences and solutions to cattle-raiding conflict in six groups representing different segments of society. These included the government and State Security Committee, Sudan People’s Liberation Army, South Sudan National Police Service, elders and civil society, youth and UN agencies.

Common causes found by the groups were poverty, revenge attacks, illiteracy, high dowries and insecurity.

Consequences included loss of lives and properties, displacement, instability, exploitation of youth, restriction of movement and insecurity.

Possible solutions the groups offered were enlightenment and peace awareness programmes, promoting peace and stability through dialogue, peace education and sports, inter-community cultural events, religious activities, laws to lower dowries, reduced illiteracy, development programmes and support for rule of law.

In a further discussion about dowries, participants focused on the need to lower or alter the “bride price”.
“We youths should lead awareness in our communities on how to reduce dowry and promote education,” said participant Maria Anthony. “As educated youths, we can inform our parents and uncles of the problems associated with inter-communal conflict such as cattle raiding.”

Another participant stressed the need for national laws capping the amount and type of dowry paid. “Free marriage or cash should be accepted in lieu of cows for dowry.”

Minister for Social Affairs Victoria Tito said, “Youth of Warrap must change their attitude about revenge attacks -- the common belief that seeking peaceful negotiations is a sign of defeat and weakness -- and educating girls by parents should be taken seriously.”

The recommendations from youth on inter-communal conflict were to be shared with the government and State Legislative Assembly.