Courtesy of Canadian Aid to Southern Sudan Copyright © 2004

Jonglei state government officials have opened a peace conference between two communities that have been in conflict for over years.

Ayual and their neighboring clan, Dachuek, had a long-term land dispute that led to killing of more than 20 men and left about 37 people with injuries, in a fighting that broke out in Wuangulei, Twic East County, in early 2012.

They held a similar conference last year but failed to agree on some outstanding issues.

These include blood compensation and reunification of the two clans after clashes since 2010.

“Peace is paramount within us, within our three counties, each county and itself and between us and our neighbors,” Jonglei State Governor Aguer Panyang told the participants.

Twic East County Commissioner, Dau Akoi Jurkuch says the outstanding issues will be solved through a judiciary.

Mr Akoi says the talks may continue for three days until they come up with solutions.