Jonglei-Pibor peace conference to kick off tomorrow

JUBA – A peace and reconciliation conference between South Sudan’s Jonglei state and Pibor Administrative Area is set to begin in Juba tomorrow, Wednesday, according to Daniel Awet Akot, Former Presidential Advisor on Military Affairs.

The conference will aim at identifying the root causes of inter-communal violence between communities in the areas affected.

Speaking during a welcoming ceremony of newly admitted students at University of Juba and honoring of grandaunts, organized by Greater Yirol Students Association in Juba on Sunday, Awet said that the conference will bring on board all stakeholders in a bid to ensure lasting peace and stability between the two areas.

“I have decided that On 20th February, we are holding a conference in Freedom, a conference between Jonglei and Pibor Administrative Area and we will finish the conference on 33th or 24th and then myself and whoever accepted will go to Lakes State,” he said.

Awet said that when they are done with Jonglei Conference, they will move to Lakes State.

“There are pieces of letters that they have sent to Lakes State and when they come back, I will lead the people to Lakes State,” he said.

Thousands of families have had their lives devastated by a vicious cycle of fighting and revenge attacks that have plagued the Jonglei region of South Sudan for the past six months.

Alt-least 600 people have been killed during the violence between Dinka, Nuer and Murle groups. Women and children have been abducted, villages and homes torched, and thousands of cattle stolen.