Ngok Dinka and Misseriya Commit to Peaceful Coexistence as Abyei Post Migration Ends
The Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities have pledged to foster to peaceful farming, grazing, and stronger inter-communal ties bonds at the end of the just concluded Post Migration Conference in Noong. The two communities signed an agreement at the end of the four-day conference which ended on 17 May 2024.
As contained in the peace agreement signed by the parties, the communities resolved to actively involve the participation of youths and women in peacebuilding, cooperate to stamp out criminality within the box, encourage amicable resolution of conflicts and the protect natural resources. They also frowned at the killing of civilians, abduction of women and children, looting of properties and delay in the payment of blood money and other related compensation.
They denounced discriminatory practices and the use of hate speech while calling on UNISFA to adhere to the implementation of its mandate to protect civilians, respect for the rule of law and the protection of human rights. They also sought the assistance of the humanitarian actors in the provision of basic amenities and vaccination of livestock.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr commended the two communities for the smooth migration exercise in the year and agreeing to convene the conference. He lauded the support given by the Peace Partners, urged the communities to continue working together and to embrace dialogue instead of resorting to violence. He reiterated the call for an end to the abduction of women, dissemination of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.
He sought the cooperation of the two communities and assured the gathering that UNISFA was ready to support the implementation of the terms of the resolution, including the recommendations listed in the agreement.
The UN Resident Coordinator represented by the head of UN-OCHA in Abyei described the four-day dialogue as meaningful and called for an unwavering implementation of the resolution.
The co-chairpersons of both the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka Joint Community Peace Committee (JCPC), Mr Jammal Al Sadig and Chief Malith Ajak Ajiing respectively commended UNISFA and other Peace Partners, implored UNISFA to assist in the renovation of Abyei/Amiet/Diffra road and maintenance of security along the road as well as around Amiet market.
The representatives of women and youths who said that women and youths are the pillars of the society commended the Peace Partners and called on UNISFA to prioritize the needs of women and youths. According to them, economic empowerment is the only way to dissuade the youth against violence and criminal exhibitions. They promised to ensure the dissemination of the resolution in Abyei communities.