Communities in Unity State vow to end communal violence

By Chondok Stephen Magei

Communities from Mayendit and Koch counties in Unity State have vowed to end violence that lags back development in their areas.

The decision was reached at a two days peace conference held in Lipuot village of Ngony Payam.

Communal violence including cattle raiding has been a problem to both communities.

“The two neighboring communities of Mayendit and Koch community have agreed to end cattle raiding, road ambush, robbery along the Rupkuai main road to Ngony and Mirmir Payam,” Mayendit County Commissioner, Gatluak Nyang told Juba Echo by phone.

“We also agreed on grazing land areas, as I am speaking now, Mayendit herders started migrating to Ngony Payam and Mirmir looking for pasture. Mayendit land is mostly affected by flood and there is no grazing land,” Nyang said.

More than 6000 people attended the community peace conference.

The head chief of Ngony Payam in Koch County, Chuol Gatdor Kulang said the two have at last reached an amicable solution to their protracted conflicts.

“We are now moving without fear and Mayendit youths and herders have arrive to in Ngony and Mirmir for grazing their cattle,” Kulang said.

“Chiengmok community, Ngony community and Haak community have no worries again, there will be no cattle raiding and road murders between the two communities.”