Ma’di and Acholi people have apologized for the bloodshed that occurred at the height of a land conflict between the two communities in Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria.
The apology come after an Inter-Church peace committee team held talks in Magwi County last week to bringing harmony among the Acholi and Ma’di communities.Retired Bishop Paride Taban of Torit told Radio Emmanuel over the phone after concluding the three-day peace and reconciliation meetings that the youth from both communities agreed to find a peaceful resolution for the conflict.
He added that the two communities also apologized for the people killed during the conflict saying some of the dead were close friends.
The youth confessed that they were misinformed and the wrong message created tension in the two communities.
Bishop Paride emphasized that as shepherds, the Church team was in Magwi to heal the pains of the people.
He added that the communities requested the return of those who escaped the areas in fear of vengeance.
The communities asked the state government to create more payams and even a county for the Ma’di corridor, as well as proper border demarcations.
Bishop Paride said if the Ma’di and the Acholi – who have lived together for decades – wants separation, it should be peaceful and in good faith.
The Church peace team was joined by government officials and MPs led by Eastern Equatoria state Deputy State Governor, Nartisio Loluke, who were in Magwi in a fact finding mission.