The initiative for peace and unity among the Acholi community, across the border must be given due consideration as this will help deter numerous challenges.
Envisioning that Fr. Leopoldo Anywar and Fr. Saturnino Ohure would have lived longer, had such initiative taken root before and during the liberation struggles. Community leaders would have thwarted several cases of bloodshed along South Sudan and Uganda border within the Acholi corridor.
The Acholi and many other African communities, fragmented into different nations by white colonialists, however, must accept to live peacefully in diversity. Like the Ateker Cluster, comprising the Topotha of South Sudan, the Turkana of Kenya and Karamojong and Dodoth of Uganda. There seems to be some serenity among the Kakwa of Uganda, D.R. Congo and South Sudan who share a common border.
For long-term benefits, we look forward that the cross-border unity will diffuse tensions and help the two countries resolve boundary issues more amicably and accurately. The community holds vivid history of the ancestral settlements and the people, therefore, hold key information on the land boundaries to support demarcation.
However, despite the pros, such cross-border community unity also carries its cons that call for precaution. Sometimes wrong elements take to their advantage to breed insecurity or harbor criminal elements from the other side.
As we drive towards globalization and harmonious living, community members and leaders must be vigilant, not abet individuals who misuse the goodwill for heinous acts.
A single rotten fly can spoil the soup.