Traditional authorities perform rituals to end violence. (-)

The Apuk-Giir community of Warrap State and their Marial Wau counterparts of Western Bahr el Ghazal State performed peacemaking rituals and vowed to end land-related violence that claimed dozens of lives in recent years.

The two communities made the commitment at the conclusion of an Inter-Communal Peace Dialogue which began in Wau on 16th July, under the auspice of state governments.

According to WBG Governor Sarah Cleto Rial, the communities agreed to end differences, strengthen their social fabrics, and continue engaging in their livelihoods peacefully.

“The communities performed traditional blood rituals for peacemaking. They vowed to focus on re-establishing their relationships given their shared traditions and culture,” Ms. Cleto said in a post on Facebook.

Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal State have been experiencing recurring violence since 2023, with several attacks on both sides resulting in the death of more than 100 people.

The inter-communal dialogue was initiated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Peace CANAL, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Other partners include Caritas-Germany, governments of Western Bahr El-Ghazal, Warrap, and Lakes states, and partners for supporting the initiative.

A Committee tasked with resolving conflicts and restoring peace among communities in the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region has embarked on a wider consultative meeting to initiate grassroots understanding in the region.

The body, headed by Dr. Gai Kok, was established in a Decree by President Kiir in May 2024 after inter-communal violence, fueled by land disputes, rocked the region.

It is mandated to meet with all the communities affected by inter-communal violence, identify the root causes, and steps to forge peace and stability in the region.