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UN chief in South Sudan calls for new chapter of peace in Jonglei

May 7, 2012 (JUBA) – The special representative of the secretary-general of the UN for South Sudan, Hilde F. Johnson, on Monday called for the opening of a new chapter of peace between the ethnic groups of the troubled state of Jonglei

Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan, Hilde F. Johnson interacts with affected community members in Pibor, Jonglei state on 7 January 2012 (UNMISS)
Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan, Hilde F. Johnson interacts with affected community members in Pibor, Jonglei state on 7 January 2012 (UNMISS)
Johnson made the call in a press release on Monday after participating in the closing ceremony of a community peace conference in Bor, Jonglei state.

Representatives of the six main communities of the state signed resolutions seeking to put an end to the cycle of violence and to implement durable peace in the area. The conference drew participation from members of Dinka, Kachipo, Jie, Nuer, Anyuak and Murle ethnic groups.

“Today is the opportunity to say ‘no’ to violence,” said Johnson in her address, adding that “we need to see peace reach the communities, the grass roots and the cattle camps.”

The top UN official in the country stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved when comprehensive solutions to the challenges of Jonglei have been found, when security institutions are being established, and protection for the people is in place.

She commended what she described as “courageous decisions” made by the communities to put aside their differences and come together to restore trust and peace building in the area. She also assured the UN’s commitment “to help you open a new chapter in Jonglei, a chapter for sustainable peace.”

Referring to the civilian disarmament in Jonglei state, the chiefs of the communities in a televised ceremony also expressed commitment to complete the process and appreciation for the responsible conduct of the SPLA during the campaign.  

Johnson pointed out the importance of peaceful disarmament in ending the cycle of violence in the state, commending their efforts so far and expressed hope that “the process would be completed the way it had begun.”

In January the UN estimated that the Jonglie conflict has displaced 120,000 people.

The signing ceremony took place at Bor town’s Freedom Square and drew more than 3,000 people. Johnson, governor Kuol Manyang, archbishop Daniel Deng and the minister of justice and legal affairs John Luk, were among the dignitaries who appended their signatures to the document.

The ceremony was attended by President Salva Kiir. He expressed criticism for the UN’s response to the Jonglei state disarmament programme which “expressed concern” about reports of human rights abuses taking place during the process.

(ST)

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