President Salva Kiir’s spokesperson says the president is calling on the greater Tonj communities of Warrap State to accept the results of the ongoing peace conference and reconcile.
Ateny Wek Ateny was addressing the opening ceremony of the 5-day peace and reconciliation conference in Tonj town on Tuesday among the feuding communities of Tonj East, Tonj North, and Tonj South counties.
He said Kiir has been disgraced by continued inter-communal violence in his home region and called on warring parties to reconcile.
“The President told me to tell you that you have disappointed him in power as you all know he belongs to the state where violence continues days and night,” Wek told delegates. “The message he (Kiir) told me to tell you is you have to accept the outcome of the conference and reconcile to bring lasting peace.”
Warrap State Governor Aleu Ayieny Aleu urged the chiefs to promote peace or risk losing their positions as chiefs.
“If you don’t advise your people, especially the youth to stop fighting each other and cattle raiding, I will withdraw your powers as chiefs. The powers I am holding are from you and if I use them maximumly tomorrow, don’t blame me that I am killing your people. What I need is peace,” Aleu warned.
The conference has brought together prominent politicians, members of the state and national assemblies, chiefs, representatives of youth, and women among others.
The communities of Greater Tonj have been embroiled in months of deadly cattle raids and revenge attacks that have claimed hundreds of lives.