By James Innocent
More than 30 community members from Yei River and Lainya counties participated in a two-day training focused on mediation and dialogue, an effort aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence among local communities.
The intensive workshop, organized by Finn Church Aid (FCA) in Yei, brought together a diverse group, including youth representatives, religious leaders, peace committee members, government officials, and media practitioners from both counties.
According to Slash Moses, the FCA Project Manager, the initiative seeks to promote sustainable peace and collaboration between the neighboring counties.
“Our main goal is to build trust and strengthen peace among communities in Yei and Lainya,” Moses explained. “That is why we have brought together government structures and peace actors to share experiences and enhance local mediation efforts.”
He emphasized the critical need for citizens to understand the mediation process, its stages, and common challenges.
James Wani Banja, Director of Planning and Peacebuilding for Yei River County, underscored the value of dialogue as an essential tool for resolving community disputes.
“It is important for the people of Yei and Lainya to understand the value of mediation in addressing conflicts peacefully,” Banja stated. “Cooperation is the key to lasting stability in our communities.”
He urged participants to prioritize unity and warned against allowing political interests to fuel community tensions in the Greater Yei area. “Let us not allow political differences to divide us. We are one people and must live together in peace,” he added.
Chief Tayaka James, Head Chief of Mukaya Payam, praised the training for successfully improving relations between the two counties.
“This training has been very helpful in strengthening cooperation between Yei and Lainya. I thank the partners for their efforts in bringing our communities together,” he said.
He encouraged participants to continue promoting mutual understanding and dialogue at the grassroots level to ensure peaceful coexistence.
The two-day session concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to actively serve as peace ambassadors within their respective communities.