By Chol D. Johnson and Yiep Joseph
The Chairperson of the Duk County Youth Association in Juba, Mamer Makuei, has called for calm amidst tension at the fishing site (Bioth-Agany).
This call followed recent clashes between the youth from Duk County and Twic East County as a result of wrangles over fishing sites.
In an interview with this outlet, Makuei urged the youth to drop their weapons and embrace dialogue.
“I am calling for peace in Duk and Twic East, as we have been friends for so long,” he said.
He acknowledged state government efforts in peacebuilding, citing that the two youth leaders are at the peace phase.
The youth leader called on various leaders across the state to cease inciting languages.
He urged all the youth in all counties of Jonglei State, as well as South Sudan at large, to focus on peace and dialogue.
Makuei expressed that the communities in Duk County remain committed toward peaceful coexistence among the communities.
However, in a recent community conference held in Juba, Deng Kuir Bol, the chairperson of the Twic East Youth Association in Juba, urged the youth to cease violence.
Deng called for the need for the best resolutions toward land disputes among the communities in Jonglei State.
The Twic East Youth Leader reiterated the call for peaceful coexistence among communities.
Deng reaffirmed his commitment toward peace, citing that youth should be engaged in development programs rather than in disputes and violence.
In June, tensions between the Hol community of Duk County and the Ayual community of Twic East County erupted into deadly violence, leaving at least 13 people dead and more than 20 wounded in clashes over a disputed fishing area.
According to the report, the fighting began Wednesday when armed youth from Duk County allegedly attacked Bioth-Agany Fishing Island, a contested territory claimed by Twic County.
The assault sparked intense clashes, with both communities reporting casualties.
Twic East County Commissioner Juach Arok Juach, as well as the commissioner of Duk, has been engaging both communities in dialogue.
In addition, the state government has continued to work hand in hand with the national government to ensure that stability is achieved.