South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has appealed to the communities of Aweil in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to live in peace with neighboring Sudanese communities.
Relations between the Dinka Malual of Aweil East County and the Misseriya of Sudan’s West Kordofan State have been severed since armed Misseriya men allegedly attacked and killed over 20 people, injured several, and displaced hundreds in Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s Aweil East County in early January.
Last Thursday, President Kiir met Northern Bahr el Ghazal State governor Tong Akeen Ngor and discussed security issues.
Speaking to the media upon his arrival to Aweil on Saturday, Governor Akeen said, “I would like to pass greetings from the President of South Sudan to the people of Northern Bahr el Ghazal and he has recommended that you support the peace agreement and maintain good relations with neighboring states and neighbors from Sudan especially the Misseriya and Rizeygat.”
He adds, “We discussed security matters and the clashes which are not new because there are causalities from all parties. The important thing is peace because peace is better and people must contribute towards it. The president wants the people to forgive and renew their relations.”
Atak Awan Anei, a Dinka Malual Paramount Chief in Aweil East County says they have common interests and are ready to restore relations.
“We don’t have any problem at all because we have already made it clear that there are people here and there who have interests in Sudan and South Sudan so we are ready to welcome the Misseriya if they come to make peace with us,” Awan said.
He pointed out that despite the secession of South Sudan, the communities along the borders of Sudan are still interconnected and share a lot in common.
For his part, the Imam of Aweil Main Mosque, Adam Dau, urged the two communities to peacefully resolve their differences.
“Some people were killed from the Misseriya side and the Misseriya retaliated and killed innocent Dinka Malual civilians. These are horrible incidents and it is not allowed to commit crimes to address the challenges. Those issues must be addressed by wisdom,” he advised.