Spiritual leader Makuac has been accused of instigating the recent violent clashes between Jonglei State and its neighbors. (Courtesy).

Officials in Jonglei state have met with the Ayod County spiritual leader and told him to refrain from instigating further violence against neighboring communities.

The delegation of state officials comprised the Minister of Finance, Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Road and Bridges, and Minister of Land and Utility.

Jonglei State Information Minister, John Samuel Mayuon said, the three-day meeting took place between the 29th and the 2nd of February.

This happened amid accusations that spiritual leader Makuach, who has been linked to the White Army militia group was mobilizing the area youth to attack neighboring communities.

Minister Mayuon said that Makuach assured the government he would not cause any violence in the region including in the Upper Nile state.

“The purpose of the mission was to convince Makuach to speak and not be able to cause more attacks as he did in the areas of Upper Nile,” Manyuon said.

Manyuon said the state government has decided to meet Makuach in person after allegations that he mobilized local youth to unleash violence on neighboring communities and states.

“It was more or less to engage him in a peaceful process so that we don’t fight, not to cause any fight among the people of Ayod county, and as well as not to attack other neighbors like Duk, Nyirol, Uror, and the greater Pibor Administrative area.”