By James Innocent
A civil-military dialogue concluded in Yei River County with a strong call for an end to conflict and an improved relationship between the army and civilians.
The dialogue took place in Yei, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, including the military, local government, religious leaders, youth associations, chiefs, and civil society organizations.
It was meant to foster peace and stability for the people of Yei.
Over fifty participants attended the one-day dialogue, which stressed on the need for lasting peace in Yei.
Since 2016, many residents have felt confined within the town, with road movement becoming increasingly difficult.
The presence of military checkpoints has instilled fear among citizens, despite their intended purpose of protecting civilians and their property.
Emmanuel Taban Seme, the Commissioner of Yei River County, stated that it is important for peace to prevail in Yei.
“I am here for peace in Yei because the people have suffered enough. Everyone should express their concerns so that we can achieve total peace in the county,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bishop Alex Sakor Lodiong of the Catholic Diocese of Yei noted that, while the security situation is generally calm, minor challenges persist during his pastoral visits to the various Payams in Yei River County.
For his part, Lt. Col. Michael Machar, the SSPDF Civil-Military Relations and Public Information Officer, urged for peace, asserting that there are no inherent conflicts among the citizens.
He reaffirmed that security forces are present to protect the rights and safety of the local population.
Kawach Gualriak, the director of counterintelligence in Yei, highlighted insecurity as the primary reason for the dialogue.
He pointed out that politicians in the diaspora are exacerbating local tensions by sending money to fuel rebellion against the government.
He called on the new commissioner of Yei to collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve lasting peace for the people of Yei River County.
The dialogue marks a crucial step towards addressing the underlying issues affecting the community and fostering a spirit of cooperation among all parties involved.