Abyei, 9 June 2025 - The leaders of the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya three migration corridors and the Joint Community Peace Committee have signed a joint communique reiterating their commitment to peaceful coexistence and to improving inter-communal relations. This follows a largely peaceful migration season without major security incidents, signifying growing trust and collaboration between the communities.

Organized by UNISFA in collaboration with Concordis International, IOM, UNDP and FAO, the conference provided a platform for more than 160 community leaders to tackle emerging issues during the just concluded migration season which saw thousands of Misseriya herders, and their cattle migrate peacefully. Notably, women leaders of the three corridors comprised 41 percent of participants—a reflection of growing gender inclusion in local peace efforts.

NISFA Mission Chief of Staff, Alexander Rose, commended the communities for their leadership throughout the season and reiterated the significance of the conference as a critical platform for building trust, resolving tensions and reinforcing peace. “The signing of the communique is not only a demonstration of your leadership but also your desire to coexist peacefully through dialogue and cooperation. UNISFA, together with its partners, will support the follow-up to the resolutions. And with your support, we will remain vigilant in light of recent security incidents which could impact the security in the area.”

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the migration corridors and the rights of the herders and host communities. They pledged to reinforce security along the corridors, especially the western corridor and Amiet market; combat criminality; support law-and-order community-based mechanisms; and reactivate corridor committees with active youth participation to monitor grazing activities. They called for greater inclusion of women and youth in peace dialogues and in crafting resolutions.

The Abyei seasonal migration has two key migration cycles, the southward migration which occurs at the beginning of the dry season and the northward post-migration at the beginning of the rainy season, during which the mainly Misseriya herders return to their origins, with their livestock. The season exerts significant pressure on the already strained resources including essential services,water, security and even land ownership. Yet, this movement remains essentially important for the livelihoods of both the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka communities.