The Government of South Sudan declared Jonglei State a disaster area, inviting humanitarian relief organizations to assist both Lou Nuer and Murle communities who were involved in inter-tribal clashes in Pibor County.
The Chairperson of South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Chuol Rambang Luoth, told CRN News that the decision was taken yesterday during a Government meeting.Mr Rambang said his commission will step in after the humanitarian crisis in Pibor is addressed by the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission.
He added that on Friday next week he will meet with other peace partners to discuss a plan to quell tensions among communities in Greater Pibor and Greater Akobo.
Mr Rambang said he plans to visit Jonglei next week to discuss with the governor and other authorities the way forward to bring peace to the region.
He said the authorities may start by addressing the Lou Nuer- Murle issue. Later the commission will organize a peace conference at state level for the different communities involved in inter-tribal tensions in Jonglei.
Mr Rambang blamed Khartoum for the escalation of hostilities between Lou-Nuer and Murle.
He said both communities were disarmed, but the government of Khartoum rearmed them through the militia groups it was supporting in Jonglei.
Mr Rambang explained that lack of roads did not allow the army to deploy fast enough to contain the conflict.
He said the army created a buffer-zone between the two communities to allow them to settle, rebuild their lives and plan next planting season.
Mr Rambang added that the so-called prophet leading the Lou-Nuer youths Ð he called him kujor, witch Ð either advocates for peace or faces the law.