Warrap Governor calls for peace, bans inciteful songs
By Aguok Chok
The Governor of Warrap State, Magok Magok Deng has urged communities in Tonj South County to embrace peace and end violence.
Speaking during a consultative meeting in Akon-chok, Manyang-Ngok Payam, Magok said: “We must stop these conflicts and work together to restore peace. Violence only destroys lives and hinders development.”
The meeting brought together chiefs and elders from the Thony community, who shared their concerns about ongoing clashes with the Muok, Yar, and Apuk-Jurwiir communities. The Governor emphasized on the importance of accountability, ordering individuals responsible for crimes such as killings, cattle raids, and theft to surrender.
He also instructed community leaders to return stolen cattle and property to their rightful owners.
However, Magok warned the communities against inciting violence, banned songs and poems that promote conflict.
“Peace cannot thrive where people glorify violence,” said Hon. Thokriel Chileu, Chairperson of the Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Commission.
The consultative meeting comes amid rising insecurity in Warrap State, which has witnessed frequent clashes over land disputes, cattle raids, and revenge killings.
In recent months, violent conflicts in the region have led to loss of lives and displacement of families.
The government has been working tirelessly to curb the violence through peace dialogues and security interventions.
Brig. Gen. Peter Matem, the State Peace and Security Advisor, urged communities to stop hostilities and focus on development.
“Our resources should go to building schools, hospitals, and roads, not responding to violence,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Ring Deng Ading, the Commissioner of Tonj South County, showcased recovered stolen cattle and assured the community of efforts to return them.
“This is a sign of our commitment to peace,” he said.
State and National MPs, as well as SPLM leadership, echoed calls for peace, urging communities to cooperate with authorities and uphold the rule of law.
“We can only achieve progress if we embrace unity and reconciliation,” said James Ayiek Bath, the State Minister of Information and Communication Services.
The crisis has also strained security forces and government resources. Instead of focusing on development, the government has always diverted funds to security operations and peace efforts.
The insecurity in the State has severely affected the delivery of essential services such as education and healthcare in which some schools in conflict-prone areas have been closed, leaving children without access to education.
