Deng Bol Deng, Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan speaking to Eye Radio, March 2024. Photo Credit: Charles Wote/Eye Radio.

A civil society leader is urging the commissioners of Twic East and Duk counties to support a grassroots peace initiative aimed at ending intercommunal violence.

In a letter to Eye Radio on Saturday, Bol Deng Bol, the Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan, addressed the Commissioner of Twic East, James Magok Mabiei, and the Commissioner of Duk, Chatim Ruei. He requested that the two leaders work with traditional chiefs to facilitate peace between the Ayual and Hol communities.

Bol stated that chiefs from both communities have started a dialogue to resolve the dispute. He urged the commissioners to provide resources and backing to the process.

“Chiefs from these two counties have decided to pursue dialogue to resolve the conflict,” Bol stated. “We commend this initiative started by the leadership. If supported by the Commissioners of Duk and Twic East counties, it can achieve its objectives.”

The conflict between the Ayual of Twic East and the Hol of Duk began in 2023 over the fishing village of Bioth Agany. The violence has resulted in the deaths of more than 20 people and the displacement of residents from the area. Previous attempts to resolve the matter, including a committee formed by the former governor, did not end the fighting.

Bol stated that Intrepid South Sudan will support the efforts to end the violence. He noted that peace can be reached if stakeholders in the state provide support to the current process led by the chiefs.