Authorities in Aweil East County have concluded a two-day post-migration peace conference aimed at reinforcing peaceful coexistence and cooperation between Arab nomadic groups and the Dinka Malual community living along the shared border region.
The forum, organized by the State Ministry of Peacebuilding with support from NRC and UNMISS, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, security forces, youth, and community representatives from both sides of the border.
Launching the dialogue, Garang Thiang, Commissioner of Aweil East County, commended the collaborative work of local authorities and security forces in preserving peace and stability during the recent migration season.
He emphasized that legal accountability and cross-border cooperation must remain central to maintaining the fragile peace.
“If a crime is committed against the Dinka Malual or any South Sudanese by an individual from the Messiria or Rizigat side, it must be reported, and the same applies if a crime is committed against the Arab nomads,” Thiang said.
The commissioner’s message highlighted a recurring concern in border regions, where disputes over grazing land, water points, or livestock theft have occasionally escalated into violent clashes.
Local authorities believe consistent dialogue and a shared commitment to rule of law are essential to preventing such conflicts.
Andrea Lual, Mayor of Majook Yithou Town, praised both the Dinka Malual and Arab nomadic groups for their long-standing history of peaceful interaction.
He called on present and future generations to build on this foundation.
“The peace between the Dinka Malual, Messiria, and Rizigat that we are discussing today has existed long before us,” Lual said. “It is our duty to preserve and strengthen it for the generations to come.”
The remarks were echoed by Luka Luac, the county’s Peace Coordinator, who underscored the importance of sustained dialogue beyond seasonal gatherings.
According to Luac, continuous engagement between community leaders and regular peace forums are critical to fostering trust, addressing emerging disputes early, and building a framework for long-term coexistence.
The conference saw participation from a cross-section of stakeholders, including the Director General of the State Ministry of Peacebuilding, county legal advisors, senior officials from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), youth organizations, women’s representatives, and leaders of the Messiria and Rizigat nomadic groups.
Discussions focused on cross-border security cooperation, justice mechanisms for handling disputes, and joint community initiatives aimed at promoting economic and social ties between the two communities.
Participants concluded the conference with a renewed pledge to strengthen existing peace agreements, improve coordination between local authorities and traditional leaders, and continue prioritizing dialogue as the main tool for resolving cross-border challenges.
The Aweil East post-migration conference is part of ongoing peacebuilding efforts across Northern Bahr el Ghazal, where communities share centuries-old migration routes and socio-economic ties a legacy many hopes will continue to serve as a bridge to lasting peace and cooperation.
