As newly appointed Warrap State Governor Bol Wek Agoth begins his quest to restore peace, a just-concluded community consultative meeting in Juba ended with firm resolutions and urgent calls for accountability, especially directed at political and military elites accused of fueling community violence.
The consultative gathering, held on Saturday in the capital under Governor Agoth’s leadership, brought together influential figures from Warrap State to chart a path toward lasting peace. However, the meeting became a powerful platform for denouncing the role of high-ranking officials and armed groups in perpetuating local conflicts.
Civil society representatives openly pointed fingers at politicians and military leaders, accusing them of backing rival communities during disputes and stirring unrest for political gain.
Warrap State, long plagued by cycles of communal violence over disputes that many say could be peacefully resolved, continues to suffer devastating consequences.
Tol Mayar, a prominent son of Warrap, called on the political class to desist from fueling inter-communal hostilities and instead serve as champions of peace.
“All of us must be peace lovers,” Mayar urged. “We must stop aligning with or supporting one community over another during conflicts. Let’s work together to end these disputes.”
He encouraged Warrap youth to abandon violence and embrace dialogue as the key to rebuilding their communities. He also advised Governor Agoth to involve grassroots actors in his peacebuilding efforts for meaningful impact.
Addressing participants during the meeting, Governor Agoth reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to stamping out incitement and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their social or political status.
“My government holds a zero-tolerance policy for incitement. Anyone who incites or mobilizes communities into violence, regardless of rank or immunity, will face the full force of the law,” he declared.
Governor Agoth further appealed to elites based in Juba to support peace efforts, stating that stability in Warrap begins with unity among the state’s influential figures.
Echoing the governor’s sentiment, former Warrap State Governor and community leader Aleu Ayieny Aleu reminded attendees that much of the unrest plaguing the state is rooted in tensions and actions initiated in Juba.
“What happens here worsens the situation back home,” Aleu said. “It’s time we sons and daughters of Warrap commit to restoring peace.”
He pledged his full support to Governor Agoth’s peace initiatives, expressing optimism that community-driven commitment could finally put an end to the violence.
Earlier this month, President Salva Kiir appointed Ambassador Bol Wek Agoth as Warrap’s new governor following deadly clashes that claimed 60 lives. The president also declared a state of emergency in Warrap State and Mayom County in Unity State, empowering the government to disarm armed civilians and restore order.
Since the declaration, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have launched aerial operations to break up armed youth gatherings and prevent further attacks. Ground forces have been deployed to stabilize the affected areas and enforce the disarmament.
