Bor and Murle communities from Jonglei and Boma states have signed a peace agreement to end hostilities on Tuesday in an attempt to end violence, including child abductions and cattle raiding.

The cessation of hostilities agreement comes in the wake of long-standing inter-communal tension and a deteriorating relationship since the violation of a peace agreement signed in December 2016.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by First Vice President Taban Deng Gai who heads the committee to end violence in the region and the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General, David Shearer.

Boma State Governor Ismael Konyi, who signed the agreement on behalf of his community, told Radio Tamazuj that the agreement signed is supported by the youth, women and traditional leaders in his state.

“We have agreed and signed an agreement to end hostilities which will be regarded as a road map for a general conference for both communities within one month period,” said Konyi.

Konyi revealed that a peace conference will be conducted in June to discuss and resolve deep rooted issues between the two communities.

For his part, Jonglei State Governor, Philip Aguer, who signed the agreement on behalf of Dinka Bor youth, said the agreement needs to be disseminated widely across the two states to ensure successful implementation.

Aguer told Radio Tamazuj that a committee will be formed to monitor the implementation process.

“Both sides will carry out the awareness. There will be a committee composed of defense ministry to monitor the implementation of this agreement,” said Aguer.