Gang Surrender Marks Turning Point in Nimule
Mayor Ceaser Longa Fuli confirmed that 418 young people laid down pangas and knives during a ceremony attended by police, soldiers, clergy, and other stakeholders. The collective vow to abandon violence signals a rare consensus for stability in the border town.
Stakeholders Unite Behind Disarmament Drive
Security forces provided containment, while religious leaders offered counsel, framing the disarmament as both civic duty and moral imperative. Observers noted the symbolic power of seeing former rivals deposit weapons side by side under official supervision.
Governor’s Blueprint for Conflict Reduction
Longa highlighted Governor Louis Lobong’s “Conflicts, Violent and Reduction” document as the guiding framework for curbing communal tensions. Officials believe the strategy’s emphasis on early warning and youth engagement created conditions for the mass surrender.
Rehabilitation: The Next Critical Phase
“I am contemplating what measures can be taken to support and rehabilitate them effectively,” Longa said, stressing training and livelihood support to deter relapse. Local administrators are drafting proposals for vocational schemes and psychosocial services to accompany the disarmament.
Parents Urged to Listen and Guide
Longa appealed to families to prioritize dialogue with their children, acknowledging economic strains but insisting that attentive parenting can prevent future recruitment. He argued that community safety begins at home, where early grievances often seed later violence.
Momentum Toward Lasting Peace
Authorities recently arrested several suspected gang members, underscoring sustained law-enforcement pressure. Combined with the voluntary surrender, officials believe Nimule now stands at a pivotal juncture, with public confidence growing that the town can shed its violent reputation.