The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in partnership with local authorities has organized a two-day “Citizens Talk for Peace Forum,” in Bor.
The forum brought together community leaders, citizens, and government officials to deliberate on the challenges undermining peace and stability in Jonglei State and to identify homegrown solutions.
Held under the theme “Your Partner for Peace: The Neglected Responsibilities of Citizens,” the gathering aimed to foster dialogue, rebuild trust, and strengthen collaboration between communities and governance structures.
The opening session featured remarks from UNMISS representatives and state officials, followed by discussions on the status of peace efforts under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCISS).
Participants highlighted both successes and gaps, stressing the need for citizens to take a more proactive role in reconciliation.
Samuel Manyok Deng advisor on human right affairs in Jonglei state said the forum would boost trust between government and the citizens.
“it is a time that the citizens should talk about peace and own the peace because the current peace is a peace between the warring parties sign and implement for the betterment of the citizens of South Sudan” said Manyok.
He urged the participants be ambassadors of peace in the community and spread the massages of peace.
Bol Deng Bol, civil society activist and leader of Jonglei civil society network welcome the forum adding that it will help address key challenges in the state.
“we have discussed key issues including the peace agreement, inter communal violence that are affecting the lives of the people of Jonglei state and the solution have been raised” said Deng.
“Talking relief off the Baden they are in, the government that shut the people from speaking is the government that wait for it’s people to bounced and this will help address different among the citizens” he added.
Participants expressed optimism that the forum’s outcomes would reinvigorate local peace initiatives and empower citizens to play a central role in shaping their communities’ future.
Jacob Bol, participant expressed hope for lasting change as the meeting conclude.
“We are delighted to explore the solution to address persistent challenges in the local and national peace processes and the pathways to rebuild trust, strengthen unity, and advance social cohesion” said
