A Commissioner’s Peace Mission
Commissioner James Kueth Makuach stood before villagers in Dengjock Payam, declaring that unity is the only road to development. He framed the one-day rally as the relaunch of a broader county circuit paused earlier this year by seasonal floods and insecurity.
Grassroots Tour Resumes Across Payams
The delegation, which includes state MPs, travelled on to Gakdong Payam a day later, repeating calls for dialogue. Officials say every payam will host similar forums designed to let rival clans air grievances in public before elders and administrators.
Women, Youth and Chiefs at the Table
Representatives of the Akobo Women’s Association and the Youth Association took prominent seats alongside chiefs and church leaders. “We carry the burden when men fight; we must also shape the peace,” said Nyadol Tap, a women’s leader, drawing applause.
Accountability Pledges Temper Hope
Speakers agreed that suspects in revenge killings should be surrendered to police, breaking with past practices of shielding relatives. Traditional elders argued that credible justice is vital for trust, echoing lessons from an October youth-led dialogue in Bilkey Payam.
Fragile Calm After Market Shooting
Hours after the Gakdong meeting, a man was killed in Akobo Market in what police call the first revenge attack since December 2024. Clan leaders persuaded the victim’s family to await arrests, averting immediate retaliation and preserving the tour’s momentum.
Outlook for Akobo
Local observers note that road traffic and cattle migration have improved compared with previous years, suggesting gains from earlier mediation efforts. However, Commissioner Makuach warned that only sustained community engagement can turn these tentative steps into lasting stability.