Photo|Courtesy

The Jiye and Toposa communities living along the border between Eastern Equatoria State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area have agreed on a series of measures, including the revival of traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms, to reduce conflict and strengthen peaceful coexistence following a reconciliation meeting in Wokobu kraals on Wednesday.

The meeting was led by Kapoeta North County Commissioner David Nayee Lomor and brought together community leaders and elders from both communities to discuss recurring conflicts and ways of improving relations.

During the dialogue, participants agreed to report cases of cattle theft to local chiefs instead of carrying out retaliatory attacks.

They also agreed to establish a joint peace committee of elders tasked with resolving disputes before they escalate into violence.

Commissioner Lomor called on both communities to end revenge attacks, peacefully share grazing land and water resources, and work together to protect vulnerable members of society.

He said peace can only be sustained through cooperation, mutual respect, and a commitment by both communities to address disputes through dialogue.

The reconciliation meeting comes amid efforts to ease tensions in the Greater Kapoeta area following the killing of Kapoeta East County Caretaker Commissioner Stephen Lowosio Lomongin, who was shot dead while on an official visit to the disputed Kessengor area earlier this month.

The killing raised fears of renewed violence in parts of Eastern Equatoria and neighboring areas, prompting calls from local leaders, government officials, and peace actors for restraint and dialogue among communities.

Community representatives at the Wokobu meeting pledged to implement the resolutions reached during the discussions and continue engaging through peaceful means to prevent future conflicts.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by local authorities, traditional leaders, and community members to strengthen stability and improve relations among communities living along the border between Eastern Equatoria State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.