The conference, officially inaugurated at Park Palace Hotel by Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok, aims to strengthen cooperation and address persistent issues such as cattle raiding, child abduction, and insecurity along border communities.
In his opening remarks, Governor Riek described the gathering as a historic milestone.
“Today we have obtained our independence as a state; this day is a door opened by God for peace,” he said, expressing optimism that the deliberations would pave the way for stronger coexistence.
He thanked the GPAA leadership for choosing Bor as the host venue, saying their presence alone sends a powerful message.
“We are grateful to the GPAA leadership for accepting Bor as the venue for this peace dialogue. It is a very powerful message to our people that GPAA is ready for peace, and that is why they are here today,” he added.
Dr. Riek urged both sides to embrace peace and fully implement the resolutions that will emerge from the conference.
“It is our duty to change the narrative—to bring peace so that the sacrifices of our heroes do not go in vain. We must realise peace so that we ensure free movement for our people from both GPAA and Jonglei, open markets, free settlement, and shared use of resources, whether grazing land or fishing grounds,” he said.
GPAA Chief Administrator Gola Boyoi Gola thanked the Jonglei government for its warm reception and praised the Peace Canal initiative for creating space for continued dialogue. He called for stronger law enforcement and closer coordination between national and state authorities to ensure accountability and curb criminal activities.
“This peace dialogue is a continuation of our ongoing efforts to stop hostilities and advance development among the people of Greater Jonglei. We are one people, and we hope to work together in implementing the resolutions that will come out of this three-day peace conference,” Gola stated.
He urged youth, elders, and community leaders to denounce practices such as child abduction and emphasised the importance of farming and improved food security to reduce community pressure. Gola also revealed the introduction of a new customary law under which anyone involved in child abduction faces two years’ imprisonment and a fine of 40 cows.
In a gesture symbolising renewed cooperation, local county commissioners released nine abductees during the ceremony. Six children and two women were handed over for reunification with their families in Pibor, while one boy is set to be returned to Uror County.
The conference will continue over the next two days, with discussions centred on governance, security coordination, and strengthening peaceful coexistence between Jonglei and GPAA communities.
