The Jor and Koggi communities in Terekeka community reconciled and pledged to co-exist peacefully, recalling their long social ties.
At least eight people were killed and 18 others injured in fierce clashes over a contested grazing land in Terekeka County over.
The clashes reportedly occurred between residents of Jor and Koggi Bomas which left many families, mostly women and children displaced from Koggi village with many houses torched during the violence.
However, in an urgent visit to the area during the time of theincident, Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani the, CentralEquatoria governor call for calm and promised immediate reconciliation of communities.
Inline with his promised governor Jadalla on Monday officiated a reconciliation ceremony uniting the Jor and Koggicommunities of Terekeka Payam.
This milestone event followed a rigorous three-day mediation effort led by a committee appointed by the Governor.
In his address during the reconciliation Ceremony on Monday Jadalla urged both communities to cease all hostilities and resort to their usual coexistence as one family.
He reiterated on the need for the communities to unite and embark on Agriculture as it is rain season.
Governor Jadalla reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to ensuring harmonious living among all communities.
“Our President Salva Kiir said war must stop. He wants you to come together through dialogue, because he does not wish for us to fight. You, as the Mundari people, should reflect on your shared interests. Do not harbor hatred among yourselves,” he said
On behalf of the Members of Parliament representing Terekeka County Jaden Jada, urged the youth to refrain from engaging in conflict.
The law maker called on the youth and communities to engage in meaningful activities such as farming and development initiatives that contribute to the growth of the community.
“We, the politicians of Terekeka should stand united regardless of the challenges we face,” he appealed.
Hon. Wani Buyu, the Acting Chairman of Mundari Community urged the communities to ensure that those displaced are return to their homes as justification of reconciliation.
“Today as you have forgiven each other, let this mark a new beginning. This land is for all of you. Today, all the women who were displaced should come back. Thank you for respecting the call of the government for you to reconcile. If you took someone’s goat or cow, return them to their owners because now you have been reconciled with each other. You are one family,” he said
The Paramount Chief of Terekeka County Abraham Gaiemphasized on the importance of community policing to strengthen law and order at the grassroots level.
He emphasized the need for accountability to deter future land disputes across the county.
“Governor, we the Mundari people have seen your support since the onset of the conflict. You stood with us, and we pray that God blesses you,” he said
Asunta Paul, representing the women, appealed for increased humanitarian support for the displaced especially women and children, She called for the return of the affected population.
“Let this reconciliation be genuine so that people can return and cultivate. I speak as a woman: the area that caused this conflict should either have police deployed for protection or a school built here so that our children can learn together,” she said.
