Arop Jonchol
Maridi – Al-Wadi Newspaper
In a move aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and community stability, the Kozi and Mambe communities in Maridi County, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan, have announced the formation of a “Peace Protection Committee” in collaboration with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The announcement followed a three-day workshop attended by 50 community representatives, including traditional leaders, police officers, civil society activists, and religious figures. The training focused on civilian protection, conflict resolution, and the role of UNMISS in supporting local peacebuilding efforts.
During the closing ceremony, Anthony Moudle, a Protection and Reintegration Officer with UNMISS, hailed the participants as “ambassadors of peace” and urged them to share their newly acquired knowledge within their communities.
The workshop explored preventive strategies to defuse local tensions before they escalate, with a particular emphasis on sharing security-related information and resolving disputes peacefully. Participants noted that such training helps them tackle persistent community challenges, including recurring conflicts between farmers and herders.
Justin Bidal, a local farmer, praised the workshop for offering practical tools to resolve long-standing issues: “Now we have realistic methods to address disputes before they spiral out of control.”
Local churches also supported the initiative, emphasizing that peaceful dispute resolution aligns with their broader message of social harmony. “What was presented during the workshop aligns perfectly with our values and the mission of the United Nations to promote peace,” said Kozi Archdeacon Philip Mathew.
The training also clarified common misconceptions about the roles of various UN entities operating in South Sudan. One participant, Monicca Awadia, remarked: “Now we understand the difference—UNMISS focuses on peacebuilding, while humanitarian agencies provide services. We’ll make sure our community knows this.”
Traditional leader Frazer Samuel Kalusi from Kozi underscored the importance of the initiative, stating: “Despite the darkness that has overshadowed our country in recent years, this training has opened our eyes. We are now ready to work toward restoring light and peace in our communities.”
