A high-level delegation of SPLA commanders, national politicians and Western Equatoria traditional leaders that arrived in Yambio since Saturday has sought to ease tensions and prevent community members from taking up arms in response to violence allegedly involving local Zande youths, Dinka civilians and “suspected lawless elements within SPLA.”

The delegation comrpised of SPLA generals including Deputy Chief of Staff Lt Gen James Ajongo, Division 6 Commander Johnson Juma, King of the Zande, the Paramount Chief Wilson Hassan Peni Rikito Gbudwe, three members of parliament, Minister Jemma Nunu Kumba, and Col Police Elia Kosta.

Boutros Magaya, spokesman of the SPLM Western Equatoria Leadership Council, said that the clashes and heavy shooting that took place on Friday night and continued to Saturday appeared to be between “tribal groups from the Dinka, suspected lawless elements within SPLA and Elements of Youth from the Zande Local Community in Yambio.”

He explained in a press statement that the delegation has met with the the governor, state leadership, youth and army members and “asked them to immediately stop the conflict and cease any kind of hostilities for the sake of peace in the State.”

“The King, Wilson Rikito Gbudwe, who had left Yambio some few days earlier on short mission to Juba and Ethiopia addressed the crowd during the meeting and appealed for calm and return to peace,” said Boutros.

The king reportedly urged the people of Western Equatoria not to take up arms. The meeting at ADRA was concluded with prayers from US-pastors who are currently in Yambio.

On Sunday morning, the delegation divided and visited various churches where they were able to continue talking to the population.

“The delegation will also continue their meetings as well as investigate the incident,” Boutros said. “The fact that no shooting has taken place since yesterday till now [Sunday] is notable and the delegation and state Government to be commended for the positive role they continue to play to contain the situation."