By Peter Kuol Kuch
On Thursday, Chief Administrator of Greater Pibor Administrative Area, Peter Guzulu, met with Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riak Gai Kok to discuss peace mechanisms between their two administrations.
This meeting follows Dr. Riak’s invitation to Mr. Guzulu to visit Bor as a gesture of peace upon assuming office as governor of Jonglei State last month.
The peace briefing was attended by members of the Jonglei State Cabinet and the Jonglei State Civil Society Network. During the event, Chief Administrator Guzulu emphasized the need for both administrations to collaborate in establishing a joint security force to patrol the borders.
“We want these two administrations to work together for peace. We need a joint security force to help monitor the borders. It is the criminals who are disturbing the stability of these two states. We must find a way to reach out to them and convince them to choose peace,” he said.
Mr. Guzulu also highlighted the importance of reopening the Bor-Pibor road to enhance security and trade between the two states.
“We know that business is essential in every country, and I want the Pibor-Bor road to resume operations so the market centers can reopen and thrive,” he added.
In response, Governor Dr. Riak Gai acknowledged the visit from the Pibor Chief Administrator and pledged to work together to ensure proper security and achieve lasting peace between the two administrations.
“It is my responsibility to collaborate with my counterpart to promote peace. The presence of peace can create an atmosphere of stability,” he stated.
Dr. Gai also emphasized the need to hold the most notorious criminals accountable through grassroots peace dialogues.
“We shall engage local leaders in coordinating peace initiatives. We can even reach out to remote areas to engage those who commit crimes and discuss peace with them. We want peace this year,” he said.
The Pibor Chief Administrator’s visit was facilitated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Both Jonglei State and Greater Pibor Administrative Area have faced ongoing issues related to child abduction, cattle raiding, and revenge killings for many decades.