By Hou Akot Hou
Leaders of Twic Women’s Association in Turalei County, Warrap State, and Abyei Administrative Area, called for full implementation of peace agreements made during a two-day conference that concluded on Friday.
“We want peace as it reflects development and it prevents deaths and as a matter of fact, now our children, whom we gave birth to, can’t die between the conflict of Twic and Abyei community, which is meaningless,” said Alek Malek Deng, women leader of Twic Women Association during the conference.
Ms. Deng stated that the key to achieving peace lies in adhering to the agreements reached during the conference.
These include demands for authorities on both sides to apprehend those responsible for violence and ensure they face justice.
Abyei’s women leader, Awuor Jel Amath, also spoke passionately about the need for commitment to these resolutions.
She urged leaders from both the Twic and Abyei communities to engage with their sons, who often instigate violence, and encourage them to abandon these harmful behaviors.
“A woman is the one who knows how his son behaves, and this applies to how a woman talks with the husband. A woman can handle the young man and a husband from her home, if she convinces her. For us as women who handle family issues. We need to play a pivotal role by downplaying all problems that lead to fights if one hears a rumour” said Awuor.
The peace conference, which took place in Wau, was supported by various international organizations, including Peace Canal and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
It gathered 60 participants, including 35 women leaders from both communities, all eager to foster understanding and cooperation.
The partners involved in the conference successfully facilitated discussions that led to agreements among leaders, women’s representatives, and youth groups from the Abyei Administrative Area.
These agreements are seen as a vital step toward healing the long-standing rifts between the Twic and Abyei communities.