By Bida Elly David
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has advised the communities of Abyei Administration Area and the Twic chiefs to reconcile and stop brutal disputes among themselves urging them to immediately reach cessation of hostilities for peaceful co-existence.
This development came yesterday during a meeting between President Kiir and the chiefs of Ngok Dinka and the Twic communities.
The major aim of the meeting between the two communities was to ensure that reconciliation through dialogue and understanding is planted among them.
In a statement on the presidential Facebook page yesterday, president Kiir in his address to the heads of the community said that continued inter-communal violence wouldn’t contribute any benefit to both of them rather than deteriorating developmental plans in their areas.
Kiir emphasized on the need for the leaders of the conflicting communities to open the blocked road for mobility to enable commercial and medical services to reach local citizens without difficulties.
He told the local leaders to respect the on-going agreement and embark on peaceful journey that would move the Country from the era of conflict to the era of development.
The meeting also discussed number of issues that have historically contributed to passive relationship between the neighboring communities and how it will negatively affect the future generation in regards to cultural, development among others.
On his part, the Governor of Warrap State, Manhiem Bol Malek said there is going to be a serious deployment of forces at red-line areas to ensure full security and protection as well as maintenance of cessation of hostilities.
Governor Manheim further added that the negotiation on ownership of the disputed border area among the battling communities will be resolved later after they declare cessation of hostilities and start living amicably in harmony.
Meanwhile, the Chief Administrator of Abyei Administrative Area, Dr. Chol Deng Alaak said that they have pledged to declare cessation of hostilities in the area noting that those who will violate the cessations of hostilities will be held accountable.
Dr. Chol also added that there are other political actors who are involved in the conflict and urged them to embrace peace and work for the common interests of the two communities.
“President Kiir called on the chiefs from both Twic and Abyei to work for peace and open the roads to allow free movement of people and transportation of goods. The two communities pledged to end conflict and accept to be accountable in case of them violating the agreement,” the statement noted.
The meeting also attended by Governor of Lakes State, Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor discussed at length the issue of communal conflicts between the two communities.
Governor Manhiem said forces will be deployed in the buffer zones to maintain ceasefire and to protect the people.