Ngok and Misseriya peace committee had signed agreements months ago including payment of blood and property compensations and free movement of people on roads and in the bushes. However, attacks on the Abyei-Amiet road were carried out repeatedly where people were killed, cattle raided, and other properties looted.
Recently, a young man died of his wound from a gunshot on the same road and the culprits were not apprehended.
Monday’s 19th February 2024 ‘Umbrella Program’ explored loopholes and solutions for sustainable peace between the two communities. The program interviewed road users, members of the peace committee, and a lawyer.
A Boda Boda rider told Abyei FM that he reduced trips to Amiet from four to two a day due to deteriorating security situation.
He and his colleagues asked for the return of UNISFA daytime patrols on the road or for local authorities to protect the users.
Jama’a Sadig and Malith Ajak the cochairs of the peace committee called for actions from senior chiefs of the two communities and donors to support engagement.
“I call upon Chief Mokhtar and Chief Bulabek to convene an urgent meeting to make decisions regarding criminals from both sides,” said Jama’a.
“I urge peace partners to fund youth peace conference to put an end to recurring attacks on the road and raiding of livestock and properties.” Malith appealed.
Kuol Wuor Alei, a lawyer working in Abyei Town said that loopholes require the intervention of the two countries or community leaders.
“Sudan and South Sudan, Misseriya and Ngok must agree to establish a hybrid court that will apply the penal code of the two countries separately on their citizens to deter crimes because blood and property compensations encourage perpetrators to continue with their acts,” he suggested.
