To mitigate the heightened tensions and recent deadly clashes in Duk and Twic East counties, the Jonglei State Legislative Assembly has formed a committee to decisively address the unrest and restore peace.
The 7-member committee chaired by Hon. Maker Chol Adol was unveiled during a parliamentary sitting on 22 July 2024 and is tasked with engaging stakeholders to calm the volatile situation. The committee’s primary objectives include facilitating the return to normalcy, ensuring the unhindered movement of people and goods, and quelling retaliatory violence between the Hol community of Duk County and the Ayual community of Twic East County.
“The parliament tasked the committee to engage with all stakeholders to help restore normalcy and peace in the affected areas,” stated Hon. Jesus Panther Deng, the secretary of the House’s Information and Communication Committee. “In order to allow free movement of peace and goods and minimize counter and revenge attacks between the communities.”
The committee members, alongside Chairperson Maker Chol Adol and Deputy Chairperson Martha Mahmoud, include Samuel Puol Chol, Michael Adoor Mabior, Peter Akoi Chol, Yien Jal, and Awuol Deng Awuol.
The recent escalation in violence saw nine people killed and eight wounded in clashes between communities at the Bioth-Agany fishing island last Friday. Police forces have been deployed to restore order, following similar deadly incidents last month that claimed seven lives and injured ten others.
Tensions have boiled since mid-October last year, exacerbated by disputes over fishing rights at the Bioth-Agany site and the unresolved death of Deng Dau, also known as Deng-Moradong, a prominent wrestler.
Suspicions of foul play involving armed individuals from Duk County have added to the volatile atmosphere, prompting urgent action from regional authorities.