By James Innocent
Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) conducted a transformative three-day dialogue in Libogo and Nyori areas of Lasu Payam, Yei River County.
Over 70 participants from diverse stakeholders in Yei River County converged to dialogue on how to foster peace and reconciliation between long-standing adversaries, Libogo and Nyori communities.
Since onset of South Sudan conflict, the communities had plagued into animosity and violence compounded by historical issues dating back to 1915 in the history of Lasu.
James Yatta Ambrose, project coordinator for the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative in Yei, expressed the significance of the community dialogue in bridging division between Libogo and Nyori Boma.
Ambrose emphasized the importance of participants implementing the knowledge gained from the training to promote lasting peace and improve the overall situation in Lasu.
He said, the ultimate goal is to create an environment where refugees from neighboring countries can return home without fear.
During the dialogue, Mr. Gale Ezibon, the Executive Director of Yei River County, who represented the Commissioner of Yei River County and delivered a powerful message of unity and peaceful coexistence to the two clans and communities.
He urged them to let go of hatred and instead embrace forgiveness as the key to overcoming conflict triggers.
Reflecting on the immense challenges and conflicts Yei River County has faced since the Anyanya 1 Movements, through Anyanya 2 and the subsequent liberation by SPLA, he highlighted the urgent need for unity and peace.
“People of Nyori Boma and Libogo Boma you need to unite together and live in peace amongst yourselves rather than promoting hatred among yourselves,” he said.
Mr. Ezibon stressed that due to the conflicts, many children in Lasu are left without access to education, raising concerns about the future of the nation.
“We are tired of conflict,” he added. You must reconcile and forgive each other so that our children can receive better education and become the future leaders of tomorrow,” he emphasized.
One of the participants who did not want her name mentioned, expressed gratitude to the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative for their support in organizing the dialogue.
She highlighted the long-standing conflicts, killings, and hatred that have plagued the population of Libogo and Nyori Boma.
She appealed to the government to provide support in the form of schools, hospitals, markets, and other essential services in Nyori and Libogo without discrimination.
Her hope is that access to these social services will help alleviate conflicts, especially as more people are returning home, and the lack of social services in Lasu presents a significant challenge.