Grassroots consultations underway to address Twic East-Duk conflict

Grassroots consultations are underway in Jonglei State as community leaders from Twic East and Duk counties seek to ease tensions following renewed violence between the two communities.

The initiative was launched by caretaker Jonglei Governor Moses Majok Gatluak, who appointed separate 12-member delegations from the two counties on Oct. 4 to engage their communities and help reduce tensions.

The conflict involves the Ayual community of Twic East and the Hol community of Duk and has persisted since 2023, with renewed clashes reported in recent weeks.

The Duk delegation comprises Gen. Michael Majur Aleer Deng, Gen. Deng Athoi Gatluak Deng, Gen. Malual Reat Ayok, Hon. Elijah Monyhom Wuor, Mr. Awuol Bul Mamuor, Col. Abraham Maduk Bol, Mr. John Deng Galuak Yoor, Mr. James Chol Makuach Dut, Mr. David Awan Wieu, Mr. Maduk Akol Majok, Mr. Mator Rwei Padier and Mr. Malueth Galuak Lew.

The Twic East delegation comprises Hon. Biar Mading Biar, Gen. Philip Aguer Panyang, Bishop Manyok Biar, Mr. William Deng Kuir Bul, Gen. Chol Biar Ajang Ngong, Mr. Kuer Dau Ding, Mr. Garang Thon Kuir, Mr. Garang Mach Nyinkuany, Mr. Athieng Dau Tor, Mr. Arok Yol Juach, Mr. Awang Dut Riak and Mr. Garang Atem Ayiik.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Caretaker Governor Majok said the consultations are part of a broader effort to promote peace across Jonglei ahead of South Sudan’s planned elections.

“During these three months as caretaker governor, my whole purpose would be peace, which our country needs for the upcoming elections,” he said. “I have sent a delegation on a peace mission in Duk, Twic East and Uror counties. Their grassroots consultations will culminate in a major peace conference to address all the concerns.”

Majok said limited security personnel and funding could hamper the state government’s efforts.

“The challenge is that we don’t have adequate police. If the SSPDF will help us by deploying in hotspot areas, this will be good,” he said. “Financial resources will also be an issue, but we will engage our development partners.”

He said the government also plans to establish a committee to address tensions over Malual-Chaat in Bor.

“I met a delegation from Bor over the issue of Malual-Chaat. So a committee would also be formed to take care of the situation in Bor,” he said. “Our priority is peace. The two commissioners of Twic East and Duk are sworn in and will travel there for peace.”

Elijah Monyhom Wuor, head of the Duk delegation, said members had been engaging communities since Sunday.

“We are in Duk engaging local communities since Sunday. On Tuesday we will hold a major rally in Duk Padiet before travelling to Poktap,” he said.

“Our communities are suffering and they are ready for peace to open up opportunities and the roads. All the communities will hopefully commit to peace.”

Deng Maluil, a community leader from Twic East County, said the delegation arrived on Sunday and consultations were continuing.

“We are hopeful there will be peace. These arrangements are genuine ones in response to the pleas for peace,” he said. “On Tuesday, youth will be engaged before a major rally involving the entire communities.”

The latest initiative follows renewed violence in Duk County in late September.

Earlier in July, the two communities had recommitted to a peace agreement that called for an end to hostilities and the resolution of disputes through dialogue.

The post Grassroots consultations underway to address Twic East-Duk conflict appeared first on Radio Tamazuj.