A one-day dialogue aimed at building peace and trust among communities of Leer, Mayendit, and Koch counties in Unity State concluded Tuesday with calls for peace in the region.
The initiative hosted in Koch County was supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in partnership with the state government.
Mr. Emmanuel Kwalar UNMISS civil affairs officer in Bentiu said the peace dialogue was a continuation of previous meetings in Leer and Mayendit.
“Honorable county commissioners came together and decided that the communities should gather and discuss the vision of southern Unity and I think they need this initiative of leadership,” he said.
Kwalar stated that the three communities have all agreed to co-exist together and promote peace in their areas saying the discussions with women, cattle camp youth, chiefs, and commissioners were fruitful.
The commissioner of Koch County Koang Biel said they have agreed to cease criminal activities among the three counties including sexual assault of women and girls.
He warned that anyone violating the agreed principles will face the law.
“We also agreed our people should move freely between the counties. Some people are criminals who want to rape young girls and women, my friends, if you are caught you will be in prison for life,” Commissioner Biel warned.
He also appealed to humanitarian agencies in the country to intervene and assist thousands of locals affected by floods in the area.