Dr. Riek Gai, Governor of Jonglei State on Duk-Twic East peace rally. Photo credit: Office of the governor.

The Governor of Jonglei State, Riek Gai Kok, has launched a peace mission to Twic East and Duk counties aimed at reconciling communities affected by recurring violence linked to disputes over fishing grounds and islands along the Nile River.

The initiative follows recent clashes between the Ayual community of Twic East County and the Hol community of Duk County, a conflict that first erupted in 2023 and has since claimed dozens of lives.

According to Jonglei State Minister of Information Nyamar Lony Thichot Ngundeng, Governor Gai arrived in Panyagoor, the headquarters of Twic East County, on Wednesday accompanied by the Speaker of the State Parliament, senior advisors, and cabinet ministers.

She said the delegation is engaging local leaders and residents in dialogue aimed at fostering reconciliation and ending cycles of intercommunal violence.

“The Governor of Jonglei State led a peace mission to Twic East yesterday. He traveled from Bor to Twic East County to reconcile the Ayual community of Twic East and the Hol community of Duk following recurring intercommunal conflicts. Today, a rally and community dialogue will be held to promote unity and peaceful coexistence,” Nyamar said.

The governor’s delegation is also expected to travel to Duk County to deliver the same message of peace and reconciliation as part of a broader effort to restore trust between the neighboring communities.

The state government says further consultations will be conducted with community leaders and stakeholders before additional peacebuilding measures are implemented.

Authorities have urged residents of both counties to support the initiative and embrace dialogue as the most effective path toward lasting peace and stability in Jonglei State.