By Yiep Joseph
Governor Francis Marial Abur of Warrap State toured greater Tonj counties, urging communities to abandon aggression and embrace peace.
During his visit, which included stops in Ngapaneet and Palal in Tonj East County, the governor stressed the need for communities to embrace dialogue as a means of solving differences.
He visited Tonj South County over the weekend.
While the whole state recorded reduction in communal violence in recent days, the governor encourage communities to continue with the spirit of peace and harmony.
In a statement released to the media, Governor Marial called on all communities to come together as one family and refrain from violent actions.
He noted that many have responded positively to the call for dialogue and warned that anyone inciting violence would face the law.
“Francis Marial Abur reassured each community that all parties in conflict in Tonj East and Tonj North Counties have committed to stop aggression and expressed their interest to dialogue and live as brothers and sisters,” the statement partly read.
The governor also called on all the communities of Warrap state who are within and outside to preach peace in order to give the reconciliation committee a chance to achieve its assigned tasks.
In his part, Brig. Gen. Peter Matem Yak, the State Peace and Security Advisor, called on the residents to settle any disputes through dialogue.
He added that violence only destroys the communities, plans, and the government’s developmental plans.
After being sworn-in ceremony last month, President Salva Kiir made a poignant plea to the new governor, urging him to harness his political authority and elder status to foster a climate of peace and unity in the state.
“You must find amicable solutions to the issues in Warrap,” President Kiir stated.
He also called for an end to revenge conflicts, highlighting the need for stability and safety, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly, as he embarked on his gubernatorial duties.
Last month, an attempt to rename a payam was reported to have resulted in deadly clashes in Warrap State’s Tonj North County between the Pankuei and Panarek clans, leaving at least 18 people dead and 40 others injured on both sides.
In September, similar interclan clashes between Pankuei and Panarek left at least 20 people.