INTREPID South Sudan a civil society organization based in Jonglei state has welcomed the Jonglei State Government’s decision to mediate the deadly conflict between the Hol community of Duk County and the Ayual community of Twic East County.
The move follows the Ayual–Hol dialogue held in Juba on 14 September, which concluded with a six-point agreement.
The resolutions included cessation of hostilities, joint security patrols, free movement of people and goods, sensitization against land encroachment, justice and accountability in dispute resolution, and strengthened reconciliation through inclusive dialogue and traditional leadership.
In a statement issued on Thursday, INTREPID South Sudan described the government’s intervention as a long-overdue but vital step toward peace.
Bol Deng Bol, executive director of INTREPID South Sudan and chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN), welcomed the state’s mediation efforts, saying they could help stop bloodshed that has claimed dozens of lives.
“On behalf of INTREPID South Sudan, I would like to welcome the decision of the State Government to finally initiate a peaceful settlement of the two-year-long deadly conflict between Hol of Duk County and Ayual of Twic East County,” Bol said.
He noted that despite earlier appeals, violence not only persisted but also expanded to involve the Adhiokcommunity of Twic East. “It is better late than never,” Bol remarked, stressing the need for genuine commitment from both the government and the communities involved.
The activist further urged the rival groups to adhere strictly to the mediation outcomes and warned against any deviation from the peace process.
He also called on the state government to honour its responsibility to safeguard lives, protect property, and promote peaceful coexistence across Jonglei.
“The Government should, without fail, fulfil their obligations—not only in the signed protocols but also in their natural responsibility to safeguard lives and properties as well as maintain peaceful coexistence amongst communities,” he emphasized.
The conflict between the Hol and Ayual communities, both Dinka sub-clans in Duk and Twic East counties, erupted in early 2023 following a dispute over fishing grounds and revenge killings.
What began as localized skirmishes escalated into full-scale violence, leaving dozens dead, homes destroyed, and families displaced, further deepening mistrust among neighbouring clans.
With the government now formally stepping in, many in Jonglei hope the recent agreement will mark the beginning of lasting peace and a critical test of the state’s capacity to resolve communal disputes that have often turned deadly.
