Authorities in Tonj South County have used a peace conference to reunite several longtime wanted men with their communities, in a push to end years of communal violence and encourage armed individuals to abandon the bush.
Among those who have surrendered is Majak Madut Akerdit, popularly known as “Mac-Tok,” a member of the Yar community who local authorities said had spent about 15 years in the bush.
Mac-Tok voluntarily returned to the authorities during the ongoing reconciliation process in Tonj South, where representatives of the Apuk Juwir, Thony, Muok, Yar and Bongo communities have gathered to promote peace and reconciliation.
Speaking at the conference on Saturday, Mac Tok applauded Tonj South County Commissioner Gordon, Makuer Tiau, and other local leaders for their efforts to bring communities together.
He pledged to abandon criminal activities and remain in his community rather than return to the bush.
“I appreciate the Commissioner of Tonj South for the successful peace initiatives among our communities. I promise not to return to the bush or engage in criminal activities again,” Mac-Tok said.
The peace process has also allowed Mac-Tok to reunite with longtime friends who had similarly been living in the bush.
County authorities stated that local amnesties have encouraged individuals involved in cattle-related violence and other criminal activities to voluntarily return and participate in reconciliation efforts.
Some are expected to be considered for community policing roles.
The latest peace activities began with the arrival and welcoming of representatives from the five communities in Mabior-Yar Payam on September 1st, 2026.
The main conference followed on September 2, with cattle-camp leaders, chiefs, youth and other community representatives calling for an end to violence and the return of displaced residents to their homes and cattle camps.
The conference will be concluded on today September 35th marking the call for unity and reconciliation between rivals.
In May, government and security officials held meetings in Tonj South over cattle raiding, illegal firearms and the return of raided cattle, while a mobilization and disarmament exercise was launched across Greater Tonj.
The peace drive also comes after a two-day conference in the Thony area concluded on August 27th, 2026 with communities agreeing to a ceasefire and renewed commitments to reconciliation following recent clashes.
Tonj communities have faced recurring violence over cattle, grazing areas, water access and land, with disputes periodically escalating into deadly revenge attacks.
A wider peace-building programme in Greater Tonj has described the area’s conflict as a problem persisting for decades, with repeated peace agreements often failing to prevent renewed violence.
Local authorities noted that the latest initiative is intended to break that cycle by encouraging armed individuals to return home, rebuilding trust between communities and strengthening local mechanisms for maintaining peace and security.