By Peter Kuol Kuch
The 3-day Inter-Communal Peace Conference between Jonglei State and Greater Pibor Administrative area has kicked in Jonglei State Headquarters, Bor on Monday.
The 3-day Inter-Communal Peace Conference which is being attended by County Commissioners, local Chiefs, Youth and women representatives is being presided over by Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok and his Counterpart, the Chief of greater Pibor Administrative area Gola Boyoi.
The Chief Administrator of Greater Pibor Administrative area Mr. Gola Boyoi Gola was received on Monday together with his peace delegates in Bor.
Speaking during the Session, Dr. Riek Gai Kok, the governor of Jonglei State emphasized that the ongoing inter-Communal Peace Conference would help two sisterly states to find the common solution for durable Peace among the local Communities in Jonglei and Pibor.
“Today we have obtained our independence as a state; this day is a door opened by God for peace.” Dr. Riek Said.’’
Dr. Riek appealed to the Communities to give Peace a chance in order to realize a viable society and end the communal violence always instigated mostly by cattle raiding, Child abduction and revenge killing.
Meanwhile the Chief Administrator of GPAA, Gola Boyoi Gola stressed out the importance of credible law enforcement and accountability within the communities for peace to prevail.
“I am calling on youth, elders, and leaders to reject crimes such as abduction, but I encourage them to renew efforts in food security and farming to ease community burdens. This can simply bring about last peace.’’ Gola Stated.
Mr. Gola urged the Local Youths from Jonglei and Greater Pibor to refrain from crime acts such as Child abduction, revenge Killing but encourage them to embark on self-reliance initiatives that would keep them engaged and productive citizens.
Speaking while addressing the gathering, Hon. Malual Gabriel Kon, the Minister for Peace Building in Jonglei State stated that the State Ministry of Peace Building has remained committed to initiating activities that would promotes peace and reconciliation among the communities in Jonglei State and her neighbours.
“I thank the Peace partners including the Peace Canal, WFP, IOM, and others for their steadfast contributions to peace efforts. Without their work they do, we couldn’t make it to conduct conferences like this.’’ Malual said.
The Jonglei State-Pibor Inter-Communal Peace Conference is facilitated by the Peace Canal and other Peace Partners such as International Organisation for Migration IOM and World Food Programme WFP.