Jonglei: Pibor County seeks peace with neighboring counties through newly elected chief

By John Actually

October 10, 2010 (BOR) – Pibor County has recently elected Abraham Kabula as the chief of Murle in Pibor county Bomas, with his deputy Abraham Mamoyo, a step that will pave the way for resolving conflicts between Akobo, Bor and Pibor counties according to local officials.

Kabula was elected through general consensus among the county leaders and to replace Ismael Konye who came to power 12 years ago, a period in which many lives were lost in clashes with the Dinka Bor and Nuer tribes.

Pibor county information officer, Esau Rada confirmed that Pibor community elders and leaders converged in Pibor on Thursday to elect and empower chiefs and local judges. The exercise is a “historic move” to end tribal conflicts between Pibor and her neighboring counties ahead of referendum, according to Rada.

Pibor Commissioner, Akot Mazee said his county will open the doors for peace with other counties, asserting that there is a need to solve current communities divergences and that the year 2011 will be a year of peace.

Mazee called upon the state government and humanitarian agencies to collaborate with his new chief to initiate the peace process in the triangular conflict zone of Dinka Bor, Nuer and Murle.

Inter-tribal fighting had increased tension in Jonglei state but the local government claim that the new leadership will be able to bring peace to the area.

But insecurity, rooted in the inter-tribal cattle raiding and child abduction still challenges the peaceful co-existence among the communities. Illegal possession of arms by civilians has worsened the situation despite government disarmament campaigns.

(ST)