Activist urges dialogue to resolve disputes in W. Bahr el Ghazal
January 8, 2023 (WAU/JUBA) – An activist has called for dialogue to resolve existing differences among communities in Western Bahr el Ghazal State.
Stephen Robo, a regional coordinator for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) was speaking on the Voice of Hope radio on Monday.
“There is dire need for dialogue to be done with the intention of prioritizing interest of the population, despite outstanding disagreements,” he stated.
Robo cited differences arising from the absence of the Wau county commissioner at its headquarter, saying it hinders effective service delivery.
He said most payams in the county lacked services meant for the citizens.
“Due to this outstanding disagreement, the county commissioner of Wau is yet to receive obligations since his appointment last year,” stressed Robo.
In his New Year’s message South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir pledged his government’s commitment to act against those continuing to engage in “senseless” violence across the country.
He said he was deeply concerned by the deadly sub-national violence across the country, citing its effects on the peace deal implementation.
“I have publicly spoken about the dangers posed by this violence to gains we have achieved in the implementation of the revitalized agreement,” said Kiir.
He warned the perpetrators of violence to desist from it or face the law.
“I have also advised those behind this violence to desist from it and this advice has not been listened to. To those fueling this violence, be warned that the government will not sit on the sidelines any longer,” stressed Kiir.
“We will act against those continue to engage in senseless violence,” he cautioned.
Violence is endemic in parts of South Sudan where clashes triggered by localised disputes over grazing areas, water, cultivation grounds and other resources, often turn deadly. The country’s volatile politics reportedly helps exacerbate some of the localised disputes, fanning the violence.
(ST)