A two-day peace and security conference that brought together nearly 10 state governors and representatives in South Sudan was concluded in Kuacjok town, the capital of Gogrial State.
The conference was attended by governors of Ruweng, Northern Liech, Southern Liech, Tonj, Twic and Gogrial as well as representatives of Abyei area, aid agencies and other key stakeholders.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, the Governor of Gogrial State, Gregory Deng Kuac Aduol, described the gathering as an important step in search for peace and stability.
He further said the conference discussed security, cooperation, development and enhancing information sharing along the common borders between neighbouring states with Sudan.
The governor emphasized the importance of cooperation between the states, saying cooperation would be the only way to ensure security which would create an atmosphere of peace, trade and economic prosperity.
“As states and as country at large, we are faced not only by the challenges of insurgency, that is destabilizing our nation, but of illegal proliferation of small arms in the hands of civilians, which is causing us more and more security concern. As governors we have come together to discuss how best we can tackle this issue of security so that we concentrate our efforts on development,” he said.
"Lives and properties have been lost along the common borders, mainly in remote places where illegal activities, including cattle thefts usually occur, so this requires urgent initiatives and regular meetings,” he added.
Menawhile, Gogrial’s security advisor, Akot Lual, said the leaders have agreed to secure borders, highways, cattle thefts, enhance information and deploy joint security forces to carry out regular patrols.
The governors, according to Akot, have also agreed to form a committee to dialogue with Sudanese communities and their local authorities to strengthen bilateral cooperation.