By Yiep Joseph
Governor of Warrap State, Francis Marial Abur, visited Alebek Payam, Tonj North County, and called on the communities to end revenge killings to give peace a chance.
According to the state extended to the media, governor Marial’s visit to Alebek Payam Tonj North County was to assess the security situation.
“The Governor of Warrap State, H.E. Gen. Francis Marial Abur, paid a courtesy visit to Alebek Payam, Tonj North County, to assess the security situation in the area where the Pateek section of Lou Community has internal disputes that claimed many lives and caused mass displacement of the local population,” the statement partly read.
The governor appealed to the communities involved in the violence to end hostilities and embrace peace and dialogue.
He reiterated a call on both sections involved to cease violence, adding that conflict leads to destruction and displacement.
Governor Marial emphasized the need for the communities to cease violence and give the state authorities a chance to handle the situation in a peaceful way for permanent peace to prevail in the area.
Marial, however, directed the security forces to maintain peace and order in the area.
“The Governor directs the security forces deployed in the area to deescalate the conflict and prevent further revenge killing to allow the peaceful returns of the residents to the area,” the statement partly read.
He expressed that there is a need for the communities to cease revenge to ease efforts as the state is planning community dialogue and a reconciliatory meeting that will take place in Alebek Payam.
In 2024, at least 20 people were killed and 38 others wounded during intense inter-communal fighting in Tonj North County of Warrap State.
It was reported that violence erupted between two of the Lou community in Alebek Payam, allegedly triggered by incitement by criminal elements.
Edmund Yakani the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), called on President Salva Kiir to offer a sustainable solution to resolve the deadly violence cycle in Warrap State.
However, President Salva Kiir, during the swearing-in of Warrap State governor Francis Marial Abur, called for a swift solution to the violence plaguing the region.