South Sudan committee end Twic-Abyei conflict investigation
April 8, 2022 (JUBA) – The fact-finding committee tasked to investigate the causes of conflict involving communities of Twic County in Warrap State and Abyei area concluded their mission with the signing of a cessation of hostilities agreement.
The committee led by South Sudan’s Vice President for Service Cluster, Hussein Abdel Bagi Akol prides itself in having ended the feud with a 12-point resolution in the agreement embracing peaceful co-existence and mutual cooperation.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Thursday, Unity State governor, Joseph Nguen Monytuil said the investigation team concluded its work and its secretariat was now putting together findings that would be presented to President Salva Kiir.
“The biggest challenge today in South Sudan as a country, and not just between the Twic and the Ngok is how to unite the hearts of the people through a national reconciliation process,” explained Monytuil.
He added, “The conflict was unnecessary and the investigation called for a process of reconciliation, healing and pursuit of truth, not for the sake of opening old wounds, but as a means of promoting justice, healing, and unity”.
According to the Unity State governor, the ethnic civil war that raged in the country for years left deep scars in the soul of the nation and particularly in communities feeling that their culture, identity and rights are not respected.
“The war has caused huge damage and it will take time to regain. People now feel the only way to regain their rights is to fight,” he stressed.
Monytuil expressed a desire to foster and encourage a process of healing and reconciliation, urging leaders in the conflicting communities to emulate him.
He said for the process to succeed, societies must work together, have a voice and be free to express their concerns, needs, aspirations as well as their fears.
“They must be prepared to accept one another, respect legitimate diversities, and learn to live as one family. Whenever people listen to one another humbly and openly, their shared values and aspirations become more apparent,” said Monytuil.
He added, “Diversity is no longer seen as a threat, but a source of enrichment.
(ST)