Local peace forum in Bor kicks off with calls for indigenous solutions
By Riak Chol
A two-day “Citizens Talk for Peace Forum,” organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in partnership with local authorities, has kicked off in Bor with a strong call for citizen-led approaches to peace building on Wednesday.
The forum brought together community leaders and government officials to deliberate on the challenges undermining peace and stability in Jonglei State and to identify homegrown solutions.
Held under the theme “Your Partner for Peace: The Neglected Responsibilities of Citizens,” the gathering aimed to foster dialogue, rebuild trust, and strengthen collaboration between communities and governance structures.
The opening session featured remarks from UNMISS representatives and state officials, followed by discussions on the status of peace efforts under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Participants highlighted both successes and gaps, stressing the need for citizens to take a more proactive role in reconciliation.
Samuel Manyok Deng, advisor on human right affairs in Jonglei state said the forum will boost trust between the government and the citizens.
“It is a time that the citizens should talk about peace and own the peace because the current peace is a peace between the warring parties signed and implemented for the betterment of the citizens of South Sudan,” said Manyok.
He urged the participants to be ambassadors of peace in the community and spread the messages of peace.
Bol Deng Bol, civil society activist and leader of Jonglei civil society network, welcomed the forum adding that it will help address key challenges in the state.
“We have discussed key issues, including the peace agreement, inter-communal violence that are affecting the lives of the people of Jonglei state and the solutions have been raised,” said Deng.
“Talking relief off the Baden they are in, the government that shut the people from speaking is the government that waits for its people to bounce and this will help address differences among the citizens,” he added.
Participants expressed optimism that the forum’s outcomes would reinvigorate local peace initiatives and empower citizens to play a central role in shaping their communities’ future.
Jacob Bol, a participant, expressed hope for lasting change as the meeting concluded.
“We are delighted to explore the solution to address persistent challenges in the local and national peace processes and the pathways to rebuild trust, strengthen unity, and advance social cohesion,” he said
“We are tired of conflict, which has been going on for generations. It is time for prosperity, and also to dream of a better life in my country,” Bol added.
