By Yiep Joseph
Hope is rising as Unity State Governor Justice Riek Bim Top lands in Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA) on Friday for a peace mission.
On his arrival, the Unity State governor was received by Chief Administrator of RAA Tiob De Monyluak, and set to discuss initiatives that will promote understanding, cooperation, and the importance of peaceful coexistence between neighbouring local communities of Ruweng and Unity State.
In an exclusive interview with this outlet, Ter Manyang, the Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), expressed that the visit and the meeting of the two leaders is a symbol of hope towards peace.
He added that the engagement of the top leaders toward peace will ease mobilization that allows communities to express their grievances that can be addressed toward genuine peace.
“This visit for the peace mission will help organize community initiatives that foster dialogue on the issues affecting the residents. Involvement from traditional leaders, local communities, community leaders, civil society organizations, and local government officials is essential to promote intergenerational dialogue,” he said.
Activist Manyang urged the politicians from the Ruweng Administrative Area, a Unity state, to use words that promote peace among their communities.
“Political leaders from Unity State and Ruweng must also work to change the mindset of their citizens by using words that promote peace and reconciliation within their communities,” he said.
He suggested the need to conduct dialogue in Juba as well as in the Unity State and Ruweng Administrative Area, adding that there is a need for politicians in Juba to cease words of hostilities.
“Dialogues should be held in Juba, Unity State, and Ruweng to shift the narrative among the people through open discussions,” he said.
“We encourage political leaders to unite people around national issues that affect them,” he added.
The activist called for the need for organized dialogue to be facilitated by UNMISS and society to seek peace in the areas where conflict is experienced among communities.
“Civil society organizations, UNMISS, and other key stakeholders should facilitate intergenerational dialogues among community members to seek durable solutions to the conflicts in their areas,” he said.
Last year a number of people were killed, and three subcontracted oil companies were shut down following the weekend violence triggered by a cattle raid in Aliny County of the Ruweng Administrative Area.
Ruweng Administrative Area and Unity State communities continue to engage in conflict caused by cattle raiding and border wrangles.