By James Innocent
Community leaders, local authorities and residents gathered in Tokori Boma on Monday as Lasu Payam officially launched its second annual Peace Conference and Cultural Festival, an initiative aimed at promoting reconciliation, cultural preservation and socio-economic recovery in the area.
The five-day event, running from February 23 to 27, 2026, is held under the theme “Building Bridges of Peace, Cultural and Economic Progress in Lasu Payam and Beyond.” Organizers say the festival brings together elders, women, youth, local officials and members of the diaspora to strengthen peaceful coexistence and encourage development.
Emmanuel Taban Seme, Commissioner of Yei River County, officially opened the gathering and commended the Lasu community for sustaining the initiative for a second consecutive year.
In his keynote address, Seme emphasized the importance of protecting cultural identity and fostering unity in a region that has experienced years of instability. He described culture as “the backbone of societal cohesion” and urged young people to act as ambassadors of peace and positive change.
He also encouraged other payams within the county to replicate similar community-led initiatives to strengthen reconciliation and development efforts.
Focus on Returnees and Social Cohesion
Betty Sunday Lemi, chairperson of the organizing committee, said this year’s event was deliberately hosted in Tokori Boma to promote reconciliation and support the reintegration of returnees, including refugees who had fled to neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo during past conflicts.
She thanked state authorities and community members for attending, noting that such engagements help rebuild trust and restore hope among citizens.
Community representatives acknowledged ongoing challenges facing Tokori, including limited access to education, healthcare, roads and security. Lukadi Richard Lokolo, chairman of the Lasu community, said residents are determined to address these issues collectively while advocating for greater government support.
Gabriel Soroba Logulomo, an elder in Tokori, appealed to authorities to improve social services and enhance security, citing concerns that many children remain out of school due to inadequate facilities.
Lasu Payam, like many parts of Central Equatoria State, was affected by the resurgence of violence in 2016 following clashes in the capital, Juba. The fighting triggered widespread insecurity across parts of the country.
According to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), renewed conflict in 2016 displaced thousands of civilians, many of whom fled to neighboring countries or sought protection within UN sites.
The broader crisis that began in 2013 and escalated again in 2016 forced millions of South Sudanese from their homes, including communities in and around Yei River County.
Local leaders at the festival noted that community-driven peace initiatives are essential to supporting voluntary returns and rebuilding social trust after years of displacement.
Youth representative Khemis James Yatta said the festival offers an opportunity to rebuild unity among young people in Lasu and the diaspora.
He expressed hope that sustained dialogue and cultural engagement would help address isolation and encourage development in Tokori.
Organizers say the conference will include cultural performances, dialogue sessions among elders and youth, and discussions on strategies to improve education, security and infrastructure.
As Lasu Payam marks its second annual celebration, residents say their focus remains on strengthening peace at the grassroots level — a step they believe is critical to long-term stability and recovery in the region.