Officials from the Jonglei State government are holding a series of peace rallies and meetings in parts of Ayod County in an attempt to deescalate rising tensions and the likelihood of inter-communal violence there.
The security situation in Ayod and Nyirol counties has been tense in recent weeks and characterized by cattle raids among rival youths from the two counties. The vicious cycles of violence have left scores dead.
Kassara Riek Tiop, the Jonglei State trade and industry minister, told Radio Tamazuj Monday that they are in Ayod to urge rival communities to cease hostilities.
“We started our meetings and rallies with youths, community chiefs, and county officials to stop them from revenging,” he said. “From Ayod town, we will head to Wau, Mogog, and Pagil to also rally for peace. “
Minister Riek said that they are holding the events ahead of a planned peace conference between the rival communities.
“After these rallies, a conference will be held for the two communities to iron out their differences. Similar rallies which are also conducted by government officials from the state and county are also being held in Nyirol,” he added.
James Chuol Jiek, the Ayod County commissioner, applauded the state government for initiating the peace initiative and said it will help restore peace.
“As Gawar community, it is necessary that we agree among ourselves to stop violence with our Lou Nuer neighbors, that is why these peace rallies are being held,” he said.
For his part, Wicjong Biel Jang, the Pagil head chief, reiterated that they are ready for peace and that they will engage all the rival youths to desist from violence.