Leaders rally for peace in Greater Mundri as Commissioner cautions perpetrators

By Emmanuel Mandella

Political and community leaders in Greater Mundri have renewed calls for peace and stability, warning that continued violence is threatening livelihoods and forcing civilians to live in fear.

The appeal was made during the funeral prayers of the late Mama Nyarwich Nyamal, mother of Division 6 Commander Gen. Thomas Tut where officials demanded for an end to conflict in Mundri East County and across Western Equatoria State.

Commissioner of Mundri East County, Hon. Charles Koro Elikana, used the gathering to emphasize that peace remains the top priority for the region, urging residents and leaders alike to reject violence and work toward unity.

“Peace remains our key priority in Greater Mundri and in South Sudan as a whole, our people must be able to move freely, cultivate their farms, and conduct business without fear,” Elikana said.

The commissioner expressed condolences to Gen. Thomas Tut and his family, describing the late Mama Nyarwich as an iconic matriarch whose life spanned more than a century. Born in 1915 in Pajut Payam of Uror County in Jonglei State, Mama Nyarwich witnessed generations of change in South Sudan.

Amid mourning, the tone quickly shifted to concern over the persistent instability affecting Mundri East and neighboring areas.

Greater Mundri has faced intermittent clashes and insecurity that have disrupted farming activities and displaced civilians. Community leaders say many families have fled their homes, leaving crops stolen and livelihoods affected.

Hon. James Basuwin, Member of Parliament representing Western Equatoria State, stressed that peace is not merely the absence of gunfire but a way of life that shapes social interaction and community behavior.

“Peace can be understood in three ways, it is how we interact with one another, how we live socially, and how we behave within our communities. Without that foundation, development cannot take place,” Basuwin said.

He praised Gen. Thomas Tut for his efforts to promote peace in Greater Mundri, urging continued collaboration among leaders to prevent further violence.

Representing the Greater Mundri Community Organization (Mundri base), Gideon Juma issued a direct appeal to Gen. Thomas Tut to intensify peace efforts and ensure displaced civilians can safely return home.

“Lasting peace will allow our people to go back to their villages and harvest their crops without fear, our civilians are suffering because of insecurity,” Juma said.

Juma also called on the newly appointed Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, to work closely with local leaders and security organs to restore stability in Mundri East County.

The growing chorus of voices reflects mounting frustration among residents who say instability continues to undermine economic recovery and social cohesion.

While the event was primarily a moment to honor the life of Mama Nyarwich, it became a powerful platform for dialogue on peace and unity.

Commissioner Elikana emphasized that sustainable peace requires cooperation at all levels political, community, and religious. He urged residents of Greater Mundri to reject division and commit themselves to reconciliation.

“We must work for peace so that our common people can live normally, without peace, there is no development, no farming, and no future for our children,” he said.

Observers noted that the convergence of political leaders, community representatives, and security figures at the funeral symbolized a rare moment of solidarity in a region often marked by tension.

As Western Equatoria State seeks to stabilize after periods of unrest, leaders say dialogue and coordinated action are critical to preventing further displacement and economic hardship.

For many in Mundri, the message delivered during the funeral was clear: the time for speeches has passed what is needed now is decisive and unified action to secure lasting peace.

With renewed commitments from local leaders and appeals directed to the state governor, residents hope the calls made during the solemn gathering will translate into change on ground.

For Greater Mundri, peace is no longer just a political slogan, it is a necessity.