By Lodu William Odiya
A United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)-supported community dialogue in Otallo, Greater Pibor, has brought together community leaders and residents to address internal divisions and strengthen efforts towards peace and reconciliation between the Anyuak and Murle communities.
The dialogue, held at the headquarters of the Anyuak Kingdom, brought together political leaders, traditional chiefs, elders, women, youth, and faith-based representatives to discuss insecurity, community relations, and ways of rebuilding trust.
The gathering focused on addressing divisions within the Anyuak community as a foundation for future reconciliation efforts with the Murle community.
Relations between the two communities have been affected by recurring incidents of attacks, child abductions, cattle raiding, and competition over natural resources, contributing to mistrust and insecurity in the area.
UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer Okelo Christopher said the mission remains committed to supporting communities to develop locally led solutions to their differences.
“We are aware of the challenges communities face and stress the importance of addressing our differences through dialogue and cooperation, without losing another life,” Christopher said.
He said UNMISS Civil Affairs Division had been engaging community and political leaders to rebuild trust and create space for inclusive dialogue.
Local leaders said insecurity remains one of the major obstacles to development and peaceful coexistence.
Sub-chief Oduong Chamchale said the community was facing serious challenges, including killings and abductions, and called for stronger efforts to protect civilians.
“We have serious challenges, including killings and abductions. What our people want is peace,” Chamchale said.
“We do not want to see more lives lost, and we do not want our country to fall apart again. We are calling for stronger efforts from the government and all stakeholders to protect our communities and restore peace.”
Elder Oman Obel Cham said lasting peace would enable communities to concentrate on education, health services, business, and economic development.
“Where there is peace, there is prosperity. UNMISS is our partner for peace, and we must work together to overcome the challenges facing our people,” Cham said.
Women participating in the dialogue highlighted the impact of insecurity on access to essential services, particularly education and transportation.
Women’s representative Abang Akway said insecurity along roads was forcing some families to send their children outside the area, including across the border into Ethiopia, to continue their education beyond primary school.
“Access to education is also very difficult. When we send our children to Pochalla, the road is not safe,” Akway said.
Acting King Gilo Omot welcomed UNMISS’ presence and monitoring of the security situation, saying it gave communities confidence that they were not facing the challenges alone.
The dialogue is expected to contribute to continued community engagement and reconciliation efforts, with participants emphasising dialogue, cooperation, and locally led solutions as important steps towards lasting peace in Greater Pibor.