Ikwoto residents started a three-day peace conference yesterday to reconcile communities in the county.
The conference focuses on the development of the county under the theme “Working together for peace, accountability and development”, Radio Emmanuel reported.Eastern Equatoria caretaker education minister Michael Lopuke Lotyam, who opened the peace conference on behalf of the governor, described the event as a moment to remember citizens who sacrificed the lives for peace in the country.
Mr Lopuke recalled the achievements of the state government in infrastructure and security, saying this has brought development initiatives in the state.
He pointed out the ongoing construction of county and payam headquarters as part of the government’s commitment to serve the people of Eastern Equatoria.
Mr Lopuke acknowledged the existence of different political ideas and advised citizens to present positive and constructive criticism in order to achieve the aspirations of the people of Eastern Equatoria.
He called on the Lango communities in Ikwoto to forgive each other and embrace peaceful coexistence in the county.
William Okot, who chairs the organizing committee of the peace conference, explained that the 2010 general elections divided the people in Ikwoto and created differences among politicians.
He said the conference aims to reunite the people, find solutions to cattle raiding and evaluate the resolutions from the previous conference held in 2006.