Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol poses for a group photo with representatives of the Misseriya, Rizeigat, and Dinka Malual communities in Aweil. Courtesy photo.

Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol has called on the Misseriya, Rizeigat communities from Sudan, and the Dinka Malual community from South Sudan to strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit and peace along the border areas.

Abdelbagi made the call in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, while chairing a peace conference attended by representatives of the three communities.

The gathering was also attended by Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Governor Charles Dut Akol, state officials, national lawmakers, traditional leaders, elders, youth representatives, and other stakeholders.

The conference aimed to promote peaceful coexistence and stronger relations along the South Sudan–Sudan border.

It brought together representatives of the Misseriya and Rizeigat communities from Sudan and the Dinka Malual community from South Sudan.

Vice President Abdelbagi praised the long-standing historical ties among the three communities.

He said generations have shared grazing land, water resources, trade routes, and cultural links.

He stressed that border areas should be zones of cooperation and mutual benefit, not conflict and division.

Abdelbagi said sustainable peace and security are important for the movement of people and livestock, trade, and delivery of services in border areas.

He urged traditional leaders, elders, youth, and local authorities to strengthen dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution.

The Vice President also raised concern over reports of armed groups trying to exploit remote border areas to undermine security and stability.

He said such actions do not reflect the values of the communities, which have a history of peaceful coexistence.

Abdelbagi called on communities to remain vigilant and protect the peace built over many years.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to good relations with Sudan and other neighbours.

He also urged young people to reject violence and take part in development and nation-building.

Governor Charles Dut Akol appealed to the three communities to maintain peace along the border, stop cattle theft, and support efforts to strengthen relations.

Peace Coordinator Luka Luac said progress has been made since the 2020 peace agreement.

He said cooperation has reduced border disputes and called for investment in roads, telecommunications, and water facilities.

Representatives of the Misseriya and Rizeigat communities reaffirmed their commitment to peace and praised the Government of South Sudan for supporting stability along the border.