A two-day peace conference was held in Kuajok, the capital of Warrap State, under the theme “Enough! Let’s resolve to peace and stability at home” to address the issue of cattle rustling between Warrap and Unity communities.
The conference that took place on Friday and Saturday was attended by paramount chiefs, legislative assembly members and civil society organizations from Unity and Warrap states.The conference was organized by Unity Community Organization and Enlightenment Trust (UCOET), a Bentiu based local NGO, with the support of an Italian organization.
UCOET Programme Manager David Kat told SCR News that the conference was the final step of a peace programme aimed at solving cattle raiding problems between Dinka and Nuer communities in the area.
Since November 2010, workshops were held at Payam, County and State level in Unity and Warrap states and community stakeholders and administrative representatives were asked to reflect upon root causes and consequences of cattle raiding incident.
The participants signed various resolutions to foster peace and security in the area including the establishment of border courts to regulate and supervise the movement of suspected raiders and an effective disarmament.
They also agreed to establish a permanent peace committee to implement the resolutions and to ensure the involvement of national authorities in maintaining peace in the area.