Photo| By Yang Ater

Traditional spiritual leaders known as “spear masters” have concluded a two-day peace dialogue in Rumbek, calling for an end to revenge killings, cattle raids and road ambushes that have long fueled violence between communities in Lakes and Warrap states.

The conference, organized by the Organization for Nonviolence and Development (TOCH) with support from the Swiss Development Cooperation, brought together spear masters and spiritual leaders from six border counties in Lakes and Warrap states, including Tonj East, Tonj South, Cueibet and Greater Rumbek.

Participants said the meeting was aimed at breaking the cycle of communal violence and strengthening peaceful coexistence across the Bahr el Ghazal region.

Daniel Laat Kon, a coordinator with the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said the discussions showed a growing desire among community leaders to end persistent conflicts.

“You know, looking at these two days of discussion from the spiritual leaders, it is an indicator that everyone is tired of conflicts,” Kon said. “They have been condemning those who raid cattle and those who carry out revenge killings.”

He said the spiritual leaders were invoking their traditional authority and faith to promote peace across the region.

“The spiritual leaders and spear masters are calling God in their own way to make sure there is peace in greater Bahr el Ghazal, particularly Lakes and Warrap states,” he said.

Kon urged communities to support the initiative and report individuals who attempt to trigger violence.

“Each individual has a role to play to ensure peace and stability,” he said. “If there is someone who wants to cause conflict, the community must condemn it.”

He added that the leaders also warned against harboring criminals and excessive alcohol consumption, saying such practices contribute to violence.

Madhang Adel, a spiritual leader from Luacjang in Tonj East County of Warrap State, said the gathering brought together spiritual leaders from Rek, Luacjang, Gok and Agar communities to strengthen unity.

“We don’t want anybody to have conflict with one another,” Adel said. “Anyone who triggers violence will have a problem with us. We want peace and stability in Bahr el Ghazal.”

He warned that anyone attempting to disrupt peaceful coexistence would face consequences from the spiritual leadership.

“We want even those who did not attend this conference to join the peace effort,” he said. “Anyone who tries to sabotage the stability of the community will face severe consequences.”

Adel added that the leaders plan to travel across communities in Lakes and Warrap states to spread messages of peace.

Another spiritual leader, Machar Dhuol of Rumbek, welcomed the appointment of Lakes State Governor Madhang Majok Meen and urged him to continue the peace initiatives started by former governor Rin Tueny Mabor.

“Now the situation is getting better and we need peace between Warrap and Lakes states,” Dhuol said. “I want the new governor to build on what the former governor did.”

Lakes State Minister of Cabinet Affairs Stephen Mathiang Deng said the conference recognized the influential role spear masters play in traditional community leadership.

“During communal violence, some spear masters encouraged youths to fight and raid cattle,” Deng said. “That is why they have been brought together now so they can instead support peace.”

He said spear masters traditionally help communities during crises, disasters and disease outbreaks, making them key stakeholders in local governance.

Deng thanked peace partners, including TOCH and Peace Canal, for supporting the initiative and working with the state government to bridge gaps with community leaders.

“The state leadership under Gen. Madhang Majok will stand with the spiritual leaders and spear masters because we share a common interest, which is peace for the people of these two states,” he said.

He added that the leaders pledged not to incite violence but to work with the government to promote peaceful coexistence between Lakes and Warrap state.