South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
The Acholi ethnic group has a renowned local peace mechanism called “Mat Oput” and several ethnic groups in South Sudan have their own local mechanisms for peace and reconciliation.
The recent reconciliation and healing process through blood compensation between the Ayual, Dachuek communities of Twic East County in Jonglei state reminds us that despite the existing legal system in place, we can also always rely on local mechanisms such as blood compensation to end conflicts.
The Ayual and Dechuek communities have been feuding since 2010 over land and several lives have been lost along the conflict. This particular conflict should emulate other feuding communities to explore local mechanisms for peace and reconciliation.
The 2018 revitalized peace agreement under chapter 5 calls for healing, reconciliation and accountability which is commendable but it needs to be complimented with local justice mechanisms. South Sudan needs not only to focus on the political conflict but also find solutions to the ongoing conflicts at sub-national levels to achieve comprehensive and sustainable peace in the country
