By Ijoo Bosco
Following a series of deadly raids that claimed nine lives last week, the Toposa and Lopit communities in Eastern Equatoria State have pledged during a dialogue to end all violence and live peacefully.
The two-day peace and reconciliation dialogue organized by local authorities that concluded on Monday in Lohutok Payam brought together hundreds of young people from both communities.
It’s the latest attempt to address longstanding tensions between the Toposa of Kapoeta North and the Lopit.
Paul Ahatar, a youth representative from Lalanga village, emphasized the importance of ending the cycle of violence.
“We agreed that anyone who kills should be punished, and cattle raids must stop,” he said. “We all want peace and unity so that our children can thrive.”
Ahatar also highlighted the need for cooperation on grazing rights.
“We informed the Toposa that Lopit has limited cattle and needs peaceful grazing land,” he explained.
Lokitoe Lokoreae, a Toposa cattle herder and participant in the dialogue, expressed his desire for lasting peace.
“I have forgiven the killings and returned the stolen guns and cattle,” he declared. “We are committed to coexisting peacefully as one people.”
Mathew Oromo, the administrator for Imehejek administrative payam, acknowledged past failures but expressed optimism with this recent peace settlement.
“We’ve resolved to hold another reconciliation conference at Imehejek headquarters,” he said.
Oromo emphasized the importance of following through on these agreements. He urged both communities to track down recent killers and hold them accountable to ensure lasting peace in their region.