By Otto Abut|CRN-Juba
A youth representative in Uror County, Jonglei State, has called on the state and national governments to conduct peaceful civilian disarmament, citing the widespread availability of firearms as a major contributor to insecurity and violence in local communities.
Speaking during a Citizens Talk forum facilitated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), youth representative Nhial Pur said restricting young people’s access to weapons would help address insecurity and promote lasting peace.
The forum brought together 80 participants from different walks of life across Jonglei State to discuss community challenges and identify practical solutions to ongoing conflicts.
Nhial noted that limited opportunities for young people have contributed to substance abuse and violence, while the easy availability of firearms continues to threaten community safety.
“We request the state and national governments to conduct peaceful disarmament so that young people will have no access to weapons. The easy availability of guns is one of the major causes of insecurity in our communities,” Nhial said.
Meanwhile, women representatives raised concerns about their limited participation in decision-making processes, particularly on issues affecting their safety and well-being.
Mrs Biling Ruot said women’s concerns, especially those relating to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), often go unaddressed, leaving survivors vulnerable and afraid to speak out.
“Our voices go unheard. Women in our communities continue to suffer rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence, often in silence and constant fear. When we raise these concerns with the authorities, we are threatened and told to remain silent,” she explained.
Participants also highlighted shortages of essential services, particularly access to clean water and healthcare, as factors contributing to community tensions.
Community leader Chot Baak said repeated conflicts and inadequate infrastructure had left many communities struggling to access safe drinking water.
“We have long raised concerns about broken boreholes. Following the multiple conflicts earlier this year, only 94 of our 300 boreholes remain functional. With roads often impassable, many communities are left without access to clean water, further fueling tensions and the risk of violence,” Baak said.
UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer Beverly Rae Mac-Ocloo said the forum was designed to bring communities together to identify practical solutions, strengthen relationships and rebuild trust among conflict-affected populations.
“Our aim was to bring you together to identify solutions to the challenges you face and foster stronger relationships among communities affected by conflict. As UNMISS, we remain committed to fulfilling our mandate to protect civilians and strengthen dialogue and trust between communities,” she said.
At the conclusion of the discussions, Mac-Ocloo said participants signed a community action plan outlining priority areas and practical steps for follow-up by communities and relevant stakeholders.
The agreed priorities include improving security and access to basic services, expanding opportunities for young people, and ensuring the meaningful participation of women and persons with disabilities in decisions affecting their communities.
Uror County continues to face persistent security challenges, including cattle raids, child abductions, and revenge killings, alongside competition over scarce resources. These challenges are further compounded by food insecurity, water shortages and limited opportunities for young people.