Conflicting villages in Eastern Equatoria agree to reconcile differences
By Ijoo Bosco
June 11, 2014 (TORIT) – The Eastern Equatoria state government led by governor Louis Lobong Lojore oversaw a peace and reconciliation process on Wednesday between Bari and Omorwo villages following the killing of about 20 civilians and the burning of villages in Torit county’s Bur payam (district).
Addressing the three villages of Bari, Omorwo and Osito, Lojore condemned the outbreak of violence, calling on communities to embrace development and peaceful co-existence.
Lojore has warned villagers against taking the law into their own hands, warning his government would round up those responsible and disarm them.
He instead called on village communities embrace the spirit of forgiveness and unity, calling on them to launch a settlement plan along major road sides for easier service delivery.
Meanwhile, Torit county commissioner German Charles Ojok reiterated that peace cannot simply be imposed by the government, but must come from citizens themselves.
He called on communities who had deserted their villages to seek refuge in another village or to return back home and start cultivation as the rainy season continues.
He hailed reconciliation efforts among conflicting villages, calling on communities to resolve divisions and live together peacefully.
Martin Odwar, the state advisor on economy and development, stressed that peace and unity was vital to ensuring the development of services.
The communities concerned have also welcomed the peace initiative for reconciliation, as well as the government efforts to bring those responsible for the killings to book.
(ST)