Hon. Deng Joh Angok, Deputy Governor of Upper Nile State, interviewed by Eye Radio in Malakal, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (Credit: Obaj Okuj)

MALAKAL, Upper Nile (Eye Radio) — The Deputy Governor of Upper Nile State, Deng Joh Angok, has issued a heartfelt call for reconciliation, urging communities to unite and support ongoing peace efforts as the state prepares for a major peace and reconciliation conference.

In an exclusive interview with Eye Radio in Malakal, Deputy Governor Deng highlighted that years of conflict and devastation have fractured the social fabric of the state. He emphasized that the rebuilding of Upper Nile requires the collective commitment of all stakeholders to move beyond past grievances.

Deputy Governor Deng stressed that forgiveness and peaceful coexistence are the only paths to restoring the state’s former prominence. Acknowledging that mistakes were made during the years of instability, he urged citizens to open a new chapter.

“We as sons and daughters of Upper Nile should forgive one another,” Deng stated. “This state is ours, and we should unite to benefit from its resources for development. It is time for us to forget about the past and live in peaceful coexistence.”

He further appealed to the common humanity of the people, noting, “No one is better than the other; we are all created in the image of God. We must have equality among ourselves.”

The Deputy Governor revealed that the state government is currently creating a conducive environment to host a comprehensive peace and reconciliation conference. This forum is intended to provide a platform for politicians, intellectuals, professionals, and traditional leaders to engage in honest dialogue.

“My message to the people of Upper Nile—politicians, intellectuals, doctors, and everyone else—is let us open up and talk about our issues freely,” Deng said. “We want to conduct this conference to discuss our challenges, and I am confident we will achieve positive outcomes that will make Upper Nile great and strong again.”

Deng reaffirmed that the state government recognizes its responsibility to facilitate these conversations and ensure security. He stated that by prioritizing reconciliation, the administration hopes to shift the focus from conflict toward the sustainable development of the state’s vast resources for the benefit of all its citizens.