By Deng Ghai Deng
Ayual community of Twic East County and Hol community of Duk County have agreed to end a deadly conflict that has left more than 15 people dead over the past few months, officials announced on Sunday.
The agreement was reached during a consultative peace conference held at the Park Place Hotel in Bor from July 26-27, 2024.
Jonglei state Minister of Peace Building, Malual Kon Gabriel, confirmed to this publication describing it as a significant step towards ending months of violence and restoring relations between the two communities.
“The two communities have agreed to cease the conflict. This violence was unintended, and there has been no prior record of conflict between them,” Kon said. “The two sides have also pledged to cooperate with the government to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence within the next month.”
The agreement includes the establishment of a special court to handle cases arising from the conflict, ensuring justice and accountability.
“The paramount chiefs from both communities will be responsible for identifying and tracing the suspects. These individuals will be investigated and prosecuted to prevent further violence,” Kon stated.
The conflict, which began on October 15, 2023, in Buoth-Agany, saw intermittent violence that continued through June 6, 2024.
Renewed clashes on July 19, 2024, resulted in nine deaths and eight injuries at the Buoth-Agany fishing island. Recent deadly incidents, including one last month that claimed seven lives and injured ten others, prompted the deployment of police forces to restore order.
Tensions had escalated since mid-October last year, fueled by disputes over fishing rights at the Bioth-Agany site and the unresolved death of Deng Dau, a well-known local wrestler.
Suspicions of foul play involving armed individuals from Duk County further heightened the volatile atmosphere, prompting urgent intervention from state authorities.