Residents of the Wau municipal council in South Sudan's Western Bahr el Ghazal State Tuesday participated in a peace dialogue facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The dialogue between youth and community leaders was attended by about 60 residents of the Eastern Bank of Block E in the Wau municipal council.

It focused on identifying issues contributing to mistrust and misunderstanding between the youth and community leaders and crimes in the area.

Speaking during the event, Asunta Akuol Chol a women representative said the program is important to them as it allows them to explore ways to maintain good relationships and harmony with the youth. 

“In the beginning, it was difficult for us the local leaders, and these youth to come together but with today's congregation in this workshop, we can identify the differences that were facing us in our area,” she said. “Our children are all spoiled, they are addicted to alcohol without proper care and responsibility.” 

Akuol also called on the UN agencies and peace partners to establish a youth rehabilitation center in the area to transform the lives of the youth there. 

Area chief Manut Longar said most crimes in the community are caused by rowdy youth who are normally intoxicated. 

“We need the government to take strong measures on reckless high consumption alcohol and playing local games,” said Longar.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Transitional Recovery Unit through the United Nations Peacebuilding project has been conducting several peace dialogues in Western Bahr el Ghazalaimed at fostering peaceful coexistence.