South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The communities of Greater Oronyo in Torit County, Eastern Equatoria state, have called on both county and state authorities to respond swiftly to any reported conflicts before they escalate into full-blown warfare.
Felix Ewot, the Peace Building Officer for the Support Peace Initiative and Development Organisation (SPIDO), stated that the Oronyo community has urged the government to intervene and address the brewing conflict.
“The community of Oronyo urges the county authority to respond promptly to all reported cases to prevent an escalation of violence,” said SPIDO in a statement on Saturday, which outlined seven recommendations drawn from the community.
Ewot revealed that the peace committee and boma chief have agreed to establish a body of twenty-five people to conduct patrols along the Torit-Lafon road and ensure security in villages within the Oronyo area.
“The Monyomiji (youth group in the Lotuho community) have assured local government officials that the road from Torit to Lafon County must remain free of any security interferences,” said Ewot.
SPIDO conducted a two-day peace dialogue in the Oronyo area of Torit County with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) through the UNDP Peace and Community Cohesion (PACC).
Wodcan Saviour Lazarus, the Executive Director of SPIDO, emphasised that the government must enhance efforts to apprehend the instigators of communal violence.
“It is crucial that those found to be involved in instigating conflicts within the community are held accountable,” Lazarus stated.
He noted that the communal violence occurring in Eastern Equatoria state, as well as in other parts of the country, has seen a low response from the relevant authorities at both county and state levels.
“Whenever there are signs of violence in the community, we urge the government authorities to take full responsibility. It is essential that they respond positively and in a timely manner,” Lazarus added.
“Peace can prevail when communities come together, including intellectuals and politicians. The communities themselves must accept one another for lasting peace to be achievable,” he said.
Last week, SPIDO, in collaboration with the state ministry of peace building, reconciled two conflicting camps, Isaru and Hiyu, in an effort to end the sporadic fighting related to cattle theft in the Oronyo area of Torit County.
