Tensions have eased between refugees from Sudan’s Blue Nile state and their host community in Maban county of South Sudan’s Upper Nile state.
Head of the local peace and reconciliation committee Philip Baba told Radio Tamazuj that relations between the two communities have improved since July.
In March 2014, differences arose between the refugees and the locals over a ban on cutting down trees. The refugees said they needed timber to build their homes.
Youths from Maban County had given the Blue Nile refugees an ultimatum to leave within 24 hours or risk reprisals.
Baba told Radio Tamazuj that there will be a follow-up meeting in Bunj soon where the previous resolutions of meetings held by the two sides would be reviewed.
He said representatives of the two communities are holding reciprocal visits to the market and public utilities.
Baba called upon the peace-building organizations in the area to process identity cards in order to facilitate the work of the committee.
Related:
Blue Nile refugees face expulsion by Maban county youths
File photo: A refugee from Blue Nile building his house in Maban County, 2012 (Radio Tamazuj)