A 3-day peace conference between rival communities in Terekeka County of Central Equatoria State concluded Sunday in the county’s Tali town with calls for peaceful coexistence and return of raided cows. 

The conference, aimed at pacifying the communities of Tali, Tindilo, and Mundari-Mula, is part of the ongoing state government peace initiatives through the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS). 

While political violence has largely subsided since the signing of the revitalized peace agreement in September 2018, conflicts among communities in the country, often fought over cattle, continue to result in the killing and injuring of civilians.

 “The conference went on well. As the Mundari communities of Tali, Tindilo, and Mula, we agreed to stop all forms of violence because we are one people. There shall be blood compensation and the return of rustled cows from all the sides in the conflict,” Machar Buti, a Mundari community chief from Tali, told Radio Tamazuj Monday. 

The community leader said they are hopeful that peace will prevail in Terekaka County after the conference and the goodwill shown by the rival groups, and the government’s commitment to peace. 

Lodu Philip, another participant, welcomed the peace resolutions, reiterating optimism that the peace will hold because of chiefs, youth, and politicians’ participation and that rituals were held to ensure the communities adhere to peace. 

For his part, Bishop Paul Modi of the ECSS Terekeka Diocese, said: “There has been a longstanding feud among the greater Tali communities following clashes which erupted during the wrestling event April 14th last year. So, as the church, we were tasked by the state government to reconcile the communities in Terekeka County and Central Equatoria State at large. “

He added, “Among the resolutions reached include; free movement among the communities to facilitate commercial activities, the return of all the stolen cattle, and cessation of all forms of hostilities.”

Meanwhile, Hilary John Konga, the acting Terekeka County commissioner, welcomed the conference resolutions and pointed out that the state government will develop a mechanism to ensure that all the resolutions are implemented.