Bor Forum Opens with Indigenous Peace Call
A two-day Citizens Talk for Peace Forum, convened by UNMISS with Jonglei authorities, opened in Bor on Wednesday, urging community-driven answers to protracted violence.
Gathering under the theme ‘Your Partner for Peace: The Neglected Responsibilities of Citizens,’ delegates aim to rebuild trust and reinforce collaboration between residents and state structures.
Citizens and Officials Debate R-ARCSS Progress
Opening remarks from UNMISS envoys and state officials reviewed progress since the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, noting tangible gains alongside persistent security gaps.
Speakers pressed citizens to step beyond observing and actively mediate disputes, arguing that outside accords succeed only when local voices claim ownership.
Civil Society Voices Stress Grassroots Role
Samuel Manyok Deng, Jonglei’s adviser on human-rights affairs, insisted the dialogue would ‘boost trust between government and citizens’ and asked participants to serve as community peace ambassadors.
Civil-society coordinator Bol Deng Bol echoed the sentiment, saying discussions on inter-communal violence, relief challenges, and the peace deal had surfaced realistic, home-grown remedies.
Participants Pin Hopes on Trust and Unity
As deliberations closed, attendee Jacob Bol voiced hope that renewed grassroots momentum would ‘rebuild trust, strengthen unity, and advance social cohesion’ across Jonglei.
Many in the hall shared his fatigue with generational conflict and his desire for prosperity to finally accompany peace efforts taking root.