Mundri West County Commissioner Zelipha Dawa Justin has called on citizens to embrace peace, reconciliation, and unity following a three-day consultation meeting with Western Equatoria State Governor Barrister James Al Taib Berapai and his deputy Justin Joseph Marona in Yambio last week.
Speaking on Wednesday during a briefing with heads of departments, community leaders, and church representatives, Commissioner Dawa emphasized the message from the new state leadership: dialogue must replace confrontation if stability is to return to Western Equatoria.
“According to our new leaders in the state, we need to have peace. Let us talk to our brothers and sisters who are still in the forest and encourage them to return home so that we can restore peace in the state,” she urged.
Dawa said the governor and his deputy have pledged to prioritize reconciliation and inclusive governance as part of their 100-day agenda, urging all counties to align with the state’s vision.
The Commissioner’s appeal was echoed by local church leaders who attended the meeting.
“The message of peace is not just a political call; it is also a spiritual mandate. We, as churches, will continue to use the pulpit to preach reconciliation and forgiveness,” said Rev. Michael Ladu of the Episcopal Church in Mundri.
Civil society leaders also welcomed the Commissioner’s remarks lamented that.
“Lasting peace can only be achieved if communities take ownership. Dialogue with armed youth hiding in the forest must be prioritized before violence escalates further,” said Stella Festo, a women’s activist with the Mundri Community Peace Initiative.
Despite repeated calls for peace, Mundri West has struggled with intermittent insecurity linked to armed groups, cattle raiding, and land disputes.
Humanitarian actors warn that displacement and limited access to basic services continue to undermine community trust.
According to a recent report by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), local conflicts in Western Equatoria are compounded by national political instability, making reconciliation at the grassroots level essential.
Commissioner Dawa reaffirmed her government’s commitment to supporting the state leadership’s peace agenda.
“The people of Mundri West deserve to live in harmony. Our role as leaders is to open channels for dialogue, reconciliation, and development. We must not allow our communities to be torn apart by division,” she said.
Observers say the Commissioner’s strong stance could boost confidence in state-level efforts to address insecurity.
However, they caution that dialogue must be backed by concrete actions such as community outreach, disarmament programs, and investment in youth livelihoods.
