Governor visits payam over tribal clashes
July 22, 2013 (TORIT) – The Governor of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state on Monday visited Hiyala Payam in the capital, Torit to quell rising tension among area communities.
“The mission that drew senior state government officials and security officers aimed at assessing the cause of tension, following counter attacks and killings of innocent citizens around the neighboring villages of Hiyala Payam [district],” an official said.
He however added that attempts by the governor’s team to meet with Ileiu and Chalamini communities hit a snag after residents failed to honour a meeting the team had planned.
Governor Lojore later disclosed that the state plans to organise a peace conference, seeking to reconcile and create harmony in Hiyala village and its surrounding neighbours.
Such an initiative, he stressed, will enhance free interaction and grazing between the Hiyala and Buya communities in the Kidepo area.
“You are communities surrounded by common language, culture and norms. In case of death, all of you come and mourn together and share drinks and inter-marriage together. Am totally disturbed with the kind of new that comes from Hiyala every time,” Lojore told Hiyala community members.
“Why don’t you imitate what my community in greater Kapoeta is practicing?” he asked.
The Easter Equatoria Governor further reiterated the state government’s commitment to peace, but urged the youth to play active roles in security work within their respective localities.
He however admitted that the absence of enough security personnel in the area makes it impossible to deploy police in every village.
Meanwhile, Lobong donated SSP 500 ($150) to Hiyala secondary school for the purchase of wood fuel, following the wave of panic the hit the school administration.
In April, at least eight people, including government soldiers were killed when security forces clashed with cattle raiders, sparking a gun battle that threatens to set alight worrying security situation.
Thirteen others were also wounded while uncounted number, mostly children at schools when the fight broke out on 16 April, prompting widespread condemnation of the use of army to intervene.
The clashes occurred as the state government attempted to contain reprisal attacks following an attack on Bira community in which more than 75 heads of cattle were stolen by raiders.
(ST)