By William Madouk
A group of over 300 community representatives from Jikany community in Unity State signed a peace agreement after a people-to-people conference held in Bentiu to iron simmering intra-violence.
Signing of ‘Thoan Declaration’ among the community was midwifed by the governor of Unity state, Dr. Joseph Manytuil who urged the residents to desist from engaging in any other form of violence.
The four-days conference for ‘peace’ and ‘reconciliation’ led to full adoption of peace document by Jikany elders, politicians, military leaders, women and youth representatives, and assured to implement it in letter and spirit.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the governor Manytuil appreciated Jikany Community for resolving and agreeing to end the long revenge killing among the community and accepting to forgive, live in peace and harmony.
“The State government will implement Thoan Declaration’ resolutions as long as Jikany Community agree on principles to guide them towards achieving peace and stability in Guit County,” governor said.
Dr. Manytuil also issued stern warning to the youth of Jikany Community from violating the Thoan Declaration, and he further urged them to respect the resolutions of the peace deal.
In spirit of forgiveness, Dr. Manytuil said “I forgive those who committed crimes and are still hiding to come home and join this peace and open a new chapter of peace and reconciliation.”
From his part, the Commissioner of Guit County, Kaway Chany, said the Jikany Community agreed to accept themselves as brothers and sisters, adding that Jikany are peace makers and trustworthy people.
Mr. Chany stressed that if peace prevails in Guit County and among Jikany Community, it should also be in the best interest of State and County authorities to see our people live peacefully.
Meanwhile, Rev. Peter Gatdet Gatwich who spokes on behalf of Jikany High Committee for peace and Reconciliation, lauded state government for the unwavering support to peace conferences.
Rev. Gatwich also acknowledged the infinite contributions made by Jikany Community leaders and Intellectuals who left their work places to bring peace and stability among the society.
Last week, Dr. Manytuil appealed to Jikany community to shun culture of revenge killings for peace to prevail.
The peace conference was attended by over 300 participants including lawmakers from the national and state assemblies, state government ministers, county commissioners, chiefs, and youth and women representatives.
The Jikany community intra-violence is dated back to 2005 and peaked last year when a senior army officer and an NGO staffer were killed in targeted revenge killings.