Azande, Balanda Communities Unite To Resolve Tambura Violence

Seeking to restore peace in Tambura County, the government of Western Equatoria State has established a joint investigation team comprising of members from the Azande and Balanda communities.
Zande and Balanda Communities members meeting with Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba and his Deputy Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa. Photo by Waure Eddy/ The Dawn Newspaper

By Waure Eddy

Seeking to restore peace in Tambura County, the government of Western Equatoria State has established a joint investigation team comprising of members from the Azande and Balanda communities.

The landmark effort initiated by Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba and Deputy Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, marks a significant step toward reconciliation and justice aimed at mitigating the violence and ensuring Tambura is pacified.

The decision was reached during a meeting in Yambio on Sunday, attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Azande and Balanda communities and members of the SPLM and SPLM-IO political factions.

The gathering focused on fostering collaboration to identify the root causes of the conflict that has left a trail of destruction, including killings, displacement, and property loss.

The 30-member team—comprising 15 representatives from each community—will travel to Tambura County to engage directly with affected residents, investigate grievances, and propose solutions for restoring peace. The initiative aims to prioritize unity and reconciliation, with the team working under the state government rather than as separate tribal entities.

“This mission is one of unity and healing,” Deputy Governor Badagbu said.

“The team’s role is to investigate, mediate, and help calm the situation in Tambura, where so many have suffered immense losses. We must work together to end this cycle of violence.”

The state government, in collaboration with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), will provide logistical support for the mission. This partnership highlights the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis and promoting peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups in the region.

The joint delegation is set to depart next week, bringing renewed hope for a resolution to the conflict that has devastated Tambura County. Leaders from both communities expressed optimism, calling on all stakeholders to support the initiative and prioritize peace above all else.

The move comes as a critical response to years of tension and violence, with many hoping this collaborative effort will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Western Equatoria State.

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