The four-day peace conference between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya in Aweil (22-25 Feb), is addressing critical issues affecting the two communities that hinder peaceful coexistence. Among the issues are curbing of acts of criminality in Abyei Area and resolving of disagreements. Included in the agenda are setting up of conflict management and resolution mechanisms with specific emphasis on ensuring accountability and resolving grass-root challenges to seasonal movement.

In a departure from the past, the conference has attracted over 60 participants, bringing to the negotiation table, representatives of different segments of people previously excluded in peace processes and negotiations. These include women leaders, youth, members of the joint court, herders and people living along cattle corridors, as well as merchants and other stakeholders.