South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and the Jubek community elders on Tuesday held talks to address land grabbing and cattle-related issues affecting them, an official said.
Speaking after the meeting, the presidential spokesman, Ateny Wek Ateny said the elders appealed to President Kiir to unite the country by engaging players from diverse backgrounds.
Ateny pointed out that the organized forces have been instructed to ensure immediate withdrawal of pastoralists together with their cattle from Jubek State and leave for their states.
The elders, the state-owned television (SSBC) reported, promised to ensure their son Thomas Cirilo Swaka, now a rebel leader, returns to participate in the implementation of the revitalized peace accord.
Cirilo is head of the National Salvation Front (NAS) faction.
Paterno Legge, who spoke on behalf of the elders, said that the community requested for more support to ensure Cirilo abandons rebellion and joins the country’s peace implementation process.
Legge did not elaborate on the type of support.
The housing minister, Alfred Lado Gore and several members of parliament attended the meeting.