AWEIL – A peace conference convened in Wau under the guidance of church-based organizations has ended without a breakthrough in efforts to resolve the long-running conflict between the Twic community of Warrap State and the Ngok Dinka community of Abyei.
The conference had raised hopes for a lasting solution to years of violence that have claimed lives, displaced civilians, and destroyed property in the disputed border areas between the two communities.
Participants were expected to sign an agreement on a permanent cessation of hostilities, aimed at ending ambushes and restoring peaceful trade relations between the rival communities.
Speaking to local media, Bishop Moses Deng Bol of the Episcopal Church in Wau said delegates had been advised to return to their respective communities for further consultations after negotiations stalled at the final stage.
According to the bishop, both the Twic and Ngok Dinka communities had expressed willingness to sign the agreement, but mistrust emerged during discussions surrounding the proposed creation of a buffer zone in the contested area.
He explained that disagreements intensified over plans to form and deploy forces to monitor the proposed buffer zone, triggering suspicion among the negotiating parties.
“The agreement was close to being reached, but disagreements emerged at the last minute, creating suspicion among the parties,” Bishop Deng said. “The issue of the buffer zone became a major point of contention, forcing us to allow the communities to return home and consult further with their people.”
Bishop Deng emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires patience and careful consideration, warning that rushed agreements often collapse if their long-term consequences are not fully understood by all sides.
The Twic and Ngok Dinka communities have experienced years of strained relations despite repeated interventions by the South Sudanese government, religious leaders, and international organizations seeking to reduce tensions.
The unresolved dispute has frequently resulted in deadly clashes, cattle raids, looting, and ambushes involving armed youth from both communities, with several peace initiatives failing to produce a durable settlement.
