Chiefs, local authorities, and civilians gathered at Ngapagok's Tonj East for a peace conferencce between Luac-Jang and Ananatak communities. Photo Credit: Wol Mayom/Warrap State Information Minister

Tonj East County authorities have launched a three-day peace dialogue in Ngapagok Payam aimed at promoting reconciliation, unity, and peaceful coexistence among the Luacjang, Jalwau, and Greater Ananatak communities following recurring communal violence in the region.

The dialogue, which began on Sunday, has brought together community leaders, elders, women, youth representatives, local authorities, and peace actors to discuss ways of preventing further conflict and strengthening social cohesion within the county.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Tonj East County officials called on the communities to embrace forgiveness, dialogue, and collective responsibility in order to restore peace and stability.

They urged residents to reject violence, revenge attacks, and hate speech, saying sustainable peace can only be achieved through unity and reconciliation among communities that have long shared social and cultural ties.

According to the state spokesperson, Wol Mayom, Ngapagok Payam was selected to host the meeting because of its historical role in peacebuilding and community reconciliation efforts within Tonj East County.

County authorities also commended the people of the Akook community for accepting to host the initiative, describing the move as a demonstration of commitment toward peace, stability, and development.

The leadership of the Luacjang and Jalwau communities was further praised for choosing dialogue over confrontation and for engaging constructively to address communal grievances.

Officials appealed to the Warrap State government, the national government, humanitarian agencies, and development partners to continue supporting local peace initiatives and assisting families affected by recent violence.

The dialogue is expected to end with resolutions and recommendations aimed at strengthening long-term peace and coexistence across Tonj East County.

Tonj and other parts of Warrap State have in recent years experienced recurring inter-communal violence, cattle raids, and revenge killings that have claimed hundreds of lives, displaced families, and disrupted livelihoods.

The insecurity has often involved clashes between neighbouring sections and communities within Tonj East, Tonj South, and Tonj North counties, as well as cross-border violence with neighbouring areas in Lakes and Unity states.

Local authorities, church leaders, and peace advocates have repeatedly blamed the violence on cycles of revenge attacks, competition over grazing land and cattle, proliferation of firearms, political interference, and incitement by some influential individuals and youth through social media and mobile communication.

Despite several peace conferences and disarmament campaigns, tensions have continued to resurface, prompting renewed calls for grassroots reconciliation and stronger community-led peacebuilding initiatives.