SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Santino Deng Wol addresses troops at the military barracks in Ayod County. | Courtesy

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) says it will begin dialogue with community leaders, youth, women, and leaders of the White Army following a consultative meeting aimed at improving security in Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile states.

The resolution was reached after the SSPDF concluded a meeting with senior military officers and servicemen from the Nuer community, led by Chief of Defence Forces General Santino Deng Wol at the military headquarters over the weekend.

According to SSPDF spokesperson Major General Lui Ruai Koang, the consultations focused on practical measures to address insecurity in the three conflict-affected states.

“The meeting resolved to initiate dialogue with stakeholders, including traditional leaders, women, youth leaders and leaders of the White Army. We also want armed civilians to stay out of the conflict between the national army and the armed opposition and focus on their livelihoods,” Koang said.

He said the meeting also endorsed the full implementation of the transitional security arrangements provided for in the peace agreement and called on all parties to promote messages of peace.

“The message we unanimously adopted is ‘Give Peace a Chance.’ Let us resume the full implementation of the transitional security arrangements. Let every one of us be an ambassador for peace by promoting social cohesion and strengthening intercommunal relations instead of spreading hostile messages,” he added.

The SSPDF says the dialogue initiative is intended to encourage community participation in peacebuilding and help prevent further violence in the three states.