Mundari chief says no date yet for planned three-state peace conference

A planned peace conference among neighboring tribes of the three states of Lakes, Jonglei and Central Equatoria has not yet been scheduled, according to Mundari Chief Alfons Modi.

A planned peace conference among neighboring tribes of the three states of Lakes, Jonglei and Central Equatoria has not yet been scheduled, according to Mundari Chief Alfons Modi.

The chief told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that there were consultations for when to begin the conference. “The peace conference is yet to kick off. People are preparing but the authorities have not confirmed the date for the conference and when it will take place. I will let you know,” he said.

Tribes bordering each other in this region include the Mundari, Dinka Aliab and Dinka Bor.

Asked the reason for the conference, Alfons said, “People want to solve the problems of their house. We are all one family… that is the reason for the conference.”

Chief Alfons said the tribes would meet “as neighbors” to discuss issues affecting them.

However, he denied that the road between Juba and Lakes State via Terekeka was blocked as earlier reported by some sources.

The chief pointed out he could see vehicles passing in front of his house on the road. “Just now four vehicles are coming from the direction of Rumbek and they are going to Juba,” he said.

Photo: Mundari Herder using his cow horn musical instrument (Bahr el Jebel Safaris/Bruno Zanzottera)