The Chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network, Bol Deng Bol, warned that the inter-communal conflicts between the communities in Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area could get out of hand if unmanaged in the coming dry season.
The state government reported more than three attacks in parts of Jonglei State, where over 10 children were abducted by a suspected armed man from the GPAA.
Bol contended that the state had ironically enjoyed relative peace as a result of the devastating floods that had hit the area in recent months. But this status could change when the floods subside.
“This [sequence of] violence was disrupted by the unprecedented levels of floods in 2020 and 2021. “But, with the current considerable reduction in flood levels and as the dry season approaches, communal aggressions are highly anticipated to intensify between these neighbouring communities,’’ he warned.
Calls for dialogue
“I am calling on the government of Jonglei State and that of the GPAA to lay concrete measures to deter and mitigate cattle raids, women and children’s abductions, road ambushes, and revenge attacks before the dry season kicks off.” Bol said.
“Concrete preventive and intervention measures such as dialogue between youth and traditional authorities, the formation of the joint community monitoring team, and joint police. [There is also a need for the] establishment of an army barrack in Kadiang and rehabilitation of feeder roads connecting neighbouring counties between Jonglei and GPAA.” Bol added.
He said the measures have the potential to drastically mitigate some of the chronic crimes committed in these areas.
The activist welcomed the peace dialogue initiated between the two counties of Bor and Gumuruk.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the initialing of this peace accord between the Chiefs and Commissioners of Bor County, Jonglei State, and Gumuruk County of Greater Pibor Administrative Area.” Bol said.
He said peace could be instilled through dialogue, which should have holistic approaches and be supported by the government.
“Only by starting to talk and staying on the nonviolent path will the conflict appear to be solvable.”On this note, I am calling on the two governments, traditional authorities, youth, and women to embrace the culture of dialogue.”
Bol said his organisation would convene peace rallies in Akobo, Uror, and Ayod counties to cultivate a culture of dialogue and nonviolent conflict resolution.
