Central Equatoria State Governor, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, has urged communities to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation as a path toward lasting peace, while opening a three-day peace conference in Kuda, Dolo Payam, Juba County.
The forum, organized by the Commissioners of Terekeka and Juba Counties under the theme “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence among Herders and Farmers,” seeks to address recurring tensions over farming and grazing practices between the two communities.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mujung commended county leaders for uniting chiefs, youth, women, herders, and farmers in dialogue.
He stressed the importance of resolving disputes through homegrown initiatives that align with the President’s directives and state priorities on peace and security.
“In this conference, air your grievances honestly so that we can reach forgiveness and reconciliation. The outcomes must be respected and implemented jointly, with accountability under either constitutional or traditional law,” the Governor said.
State Minister of Peace Building, Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, warned that deteriorating relations between farmers and herders threaten community cohesion and urged collective action to restore trust.
Juba County Commissioner, Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, highlighted the presence of all 13 Juba chiefs as evidence of unity, while his Terekeka counterpart, Dr. Emmanuel Loku Lodu, vowed to hold accountable those who destroy farms and called for stricter rules in cattle camps.
Community leaders also voiced practical recommendations, including designating grazing corridors, protecting water points, and strengthening mechanisms to prevent armed violence.
Representatives from UNMISS, religious leaders, and state officials joined the forum in support of inclusive dialogue.
The conference will continue over the coming days with consultations aimed at producing concrete solutions to foster peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in Central Equatoria.
