Report on Resolutions and Recommendations for Dinka Malual and Rezeigat 2015 Migration Conference Held at South Sudan Hotel Nyamlel, Aweil West County Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State The Republic of South Sudan January 19-21, 2015 Prepared and compiled by Santino M. Akot, Riakriak Akok Garang, and Lual Lual Thiep 1 Page
Table of Contents Acknowledgement... 3 Background... 4 Day one (January 19, 2015)... 5 Morning Session Opening Remarks:... 5 Hosting Commissioner, Garang Kuach Ariath, Opening s Remarks... 5 Join Peace Committee Chairperson, Mohammad Ali Opening s Remarks... 6 Join Peace Committee Chairperson, Paramount chief, Riny Riny Lual Remarks... 6 Dinka Malual Paramount Chief, Dut Majak Opening s Remarks... 6 Mohammad Banan Opening s Remarks... 6 Hon. Kon Angok, Aweil North County Commissioner Opening s Remarks... 6 Hon. William Ajong, Aweil Center County Commissioner Opening s Remarks... 7 AECOM International Chris Schulman, Deputy Chief of Party Opening s Remarks... 7 UNMISS- State Coordinator (Luis) Opening s Remarks... 7 SPLA Division 3 Representative Opening s Remarks... 7 Hon. Garang Kuach Ariath, Aweil West County Commissioner Opening Remarks... 7 Hon. State Peace Advisor, Kuol Athuai Opening s Remarks... 8 Care Taker Governor s Representative Opening s Remarks... 8 Afternoon Session Closing Remarks... 8 Riekriek Akook Garang, Facilitator... 8 Rezeigat Presentation... 9 Day two (January 20, 2015):... 9 Continuation of presentation... 9 Join Peace Committee Chairperson, Angui Noon Atak Remarks... 10 Paramount Chiefs Remarks... 10 Groups Presentations on Recommendations and Resolutions... 10 Dinka Malual Presentations... Error! Bookmark not defined. Areas of violation by Rezeigat Community... 10 Areas of implementation by Rezeigat Community... Error! Bookmark not defined. Dinka Malual Recommendations... Error! Bookmark not defined. Join Area of Recommendations:... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2 Page
Day Three (January 21, 2015)... 11 Morning Session Opening Remarks... Error! Bookmark not defined. Word of Prayer:... 11 Reading of Recommendations and Resolutions... 11 Signing of Resolutions... 11 Afternoon Session Closing Remarks... 12 Paramount Chiefs Remarks... 12 Commissioners Clossing s Remarks... 12 USAID representative s Remarks... 13 UNMISS State Coordinator Closing Remarks... 13 SPLA Division 3 Commander Clossing s Remarks... 13 State Advisor on Border Issues Closing Remarks... 13 Aweil West County Commissioner Closing s Remarks... 13 Governor s Closing Remark... 14 Acknowledgement The Northern Bahr El Ghazal State Peace Coordination Office would like to sincerely thank everyone who makes this conference possible. In particular, The State Peace Coordination Office wishes to express its deepest gratitude to USAID/AECOM International for funding the entire conference and South Sudan Hotel for allowing the Conference s Facilitators and Secretariat to use their hall space and facilities during the conference. The State Peace Coordination Office would also like to express similar gratitude to the President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit for his continued support for peaceful co-existence among the border communities of Dinka Malual, Rezigat and Misseriya. We would equally like to appreciate the government of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State for continuously supporting the vision of the President by providing favourable environment for the conduct of annual grassroots migration peace conferences. Secondly, we would also like to appreciate and thank South Sudan Peace Commission, State Peace Actors Forum, for their contribution and commitment to maintenance of peace along the border. Last but not least, the State Peace Coordination Office would like to thank conference Facilitators and Joined Border Peace Committees for making this important event a success not forgetting to thank and appreciate the two communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat for their commitment to peace. 3 Page
Background The Sudan People Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) initiated and facilitated peace conference between two communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat and reached grassroots peace agreement in 2010. The grassroots peace agreement comes against the background and appreciation of the shared history and mutual interests between two border communities. In order to sustain this agreement, joined peace committees comprising of chiefs from Dinka Malual and Rezeigat whose role was to address arising disputes among members of two communities were formed. The agreement has largely remained intact since its signature. However, through manipulation and incitement by the Sudan government, many stumbling blocks were experienced along the way and in order to prevent the conflict from escalating further, the government of national unity quickly initiated grassroots peace talk in 2010. Joined Steering and Technical Committees were formed to organize the conference which took place in Aweil Town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State among communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat in 2010. The two communities recommitted themselves to live together in peace and harmony. During the conference, two communities identified grassing corridors and resolved to annually review the resolutions before Rezeigat pastoralists migrate to Dinka Malual territories. In effect, migration peace conferences are held every year to review previous resolutions and to check for violations or arising issues. The same modality was used to conduct pre-migration annual conference between Dinka Malual and Rezeigat in 2007-2008 in Aweil Town. However, the border communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat historically shared the longest international boundary, lived together and carried out intermarriages amongst their distinct communities under united Sudan. In 2011, South Sudan separated from the Republic of Sudan and two communities continue to share their resources (pastures, water and trade) in the border and still live together in harmony and peace. The signing of September 27, 2012 of cooperation agreement, between the Republic of South Sudan and Republic of Sudan on border demarcation and other arrangement proposed the reopening of cross border trade and movement, seemingly creating a window of opportunity for improved relationship at the national and local levels.in addition, the agreements implement hinges on capacity levels on both side of the border and sustained political will in support of decentralization approach to soft border management. Previous support from USAID has helped foster cross-border dialogue and increase the capacity of key local partners,through infrastructure and the provision of transportation and cross-border economic ties,restoring and improving relationships and addressing serious division between the two nation and border communities. 4 Page
Therefore, 2015 migration peace conference was in line with 2010 resolution. During this year s conference, last year s resolutions were reviewed and areas of violation were identified by the Dinka Malual. Rezeigat areas of concerned were also identified and later included in the resolutions and recommendations. The two communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat have many challenges they would like to address and solve together by participants in 3-days workshop held at Nyamlel in Aweil West County at South Sudan Hotel. Each community provided 100 participants which make up a total of 200 participants. The workshop and service is fully supported By USAID through AECOM international under VISTAS programg -- Aweil office. Day one (January 19, 2015) Morning Session Opening Remarks: Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Peace Coordinator The first session of day one commenced with word of prayers from Christian and Muslim with opening and welcoming statement from State Peace Coordinator, William Kolong Pioth. Mr. Pioth recognized the presence of Kuol Athuai Hal, Advisor on border affairs; Hon. Lino Adub Achier, Minister of Local Government and Governor s representative in the conference; SPLA commander from lion division representing Major. Gen. Santino Deng Wol; Hon. Kon Angok, Aweil North County Commissioner; Hon. William Ajonga, Aweil Center County Commissioner; Hosting Commissioner, Delegates listening to Speeches Hon. Garang Kuach Ariath, Aweil West County Commissioner; Dinka Malual and Rezeigat paramount and executive chief; Joint Peace Committee Chairpersons (Mohammad Ali and Angui Noon Atak) among other dignitaries; and all parties in attendance of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat Migration Peace Conference. The conference was well attended by all parties concerned. Hosting Commissioner, Garang Kuach Ariath, Opening s Remarks After recognition and greeting from State Peace Coordinator, Mr. Pioth invited hosting commissioner, Hon. Garang Kuach Ariath who greeted and welcomed visitors to his county and assured them full protection during conference. Honourable commissioner appreciated everyone 5 Page
in attendance and recognized presence of Hon. Minister of Local Government and Governor s representative. Mr. Commissioner also requested participants to pay attention to the conference and contribute effectively. Hon. Commissioner promised everyone that he will be around throughout the conference and answer any questions that require his attention. Join Peace Committee Chairperson, Mohammad Ali Opening s Remarks William Kolong invited Joined Peace Committee Chairperson (Mohammad Ali) on Rezeigat side to greet people who attended migration peace conference. Mr. Ali recognized the present of Caretaker Governor s representative (Lino Adub) and welcomed delegates from two communities and appreciated them for attendance. Mr. Ali reaffirms his commitment to peace and highlighted few challenges facing them with border issues. Join Peace Committee Chairperson, Paramount chief, Riny Riny Lual Remarks Dinka Malual Paramount chief, Riny Riny Lual greeted and appreciated people who make the conference successful especially USAID through AECOM International funded the conference. Mr. Lual said he will not go further and will wait for time of debating issues to present his point. Dinka Malual Paramount Chief, Dut Majak Opening s Remarks Dut Majak another Dinka Malual Paramount Chief conveyed his greeting and appreciation to the entire government representatives and governor s representative, Lino Adub because Hon. Minister has knowledge on this conference. Mr. Adub was in charge of State Peace Coordination before he become senior official in the state. As hosting paramount chief, he welcomed everyone to the peace and reserved his commences for real discussion and conclude his short speech by asking everyone to thank Hon. Minister Adub. Mohammad Banan Opening s Remarks Mohammad Banan greeted and appreciated Minister and governor s representative, Lino Adub for the attendance and thanks everyone who attended Migration Peace Conference. Mr. Banan requested the entire conference to forgive Rezeigat community for having not come with women due to 40-hours distance of travel. In addition, he politely asked government of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to give enough time to discuss issues among the two communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat. Banan did not talk about relationship between Dinka Malual and Rezeigat communities because they lived together in peace and Harmony for long time and do not want to be reminded. Mohammad would like to see two communities taking good care of the border and hand criminals on both sides to give peace a chance. Hon. Kon Angok, Aweil North County Commissioner Opening s Remarks Hon. Kon Angok, Aweil North County Commissioner greeted and appreciated everyone for great attendance and requested two communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat to be very attentive on the issues for peaceful co-existence. He encouraged two communities to continue 6 Page
with good spirit of the implantation of resolutions and recommendation when agreed upon because peace is good when it is implemented. Hon. William Ajong, Aweil Center County Commissioner Opening s Remarks Hon. William Ajong, Aweil Center County Commissioner appreciated and greeted people in attendance and would like people to open their hearts to openly discuss issues in this migration peace conference without reservation. AECOM International Chris Schulman, Deputy Chief of Party Opening s Remarks AECOM International Chris Schulman, Deputy Chief of Party, encouraged two communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat to continue with peace conferences like the current one and maintained peace and avoids conflict. Mr. Schulman gave example of Jonglei and Unity States which have conflict all over their states. UNMISS- State Coordinator (Luis) Opening s Remarks UNMISS- State Coordinator (Luis) appreciated two communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat and encouraged them to continue with peace. In addition, Mr. Coordinator greeted the Caretaker Governor, Division 3 Commander Major Gen. Santino Deng Wol and delegates; conveyed greetings from the Special Representative of United Nations Secretary General. State Coordinator appreciated the two communities for choosing peace over war and encouraged them to continue maintaining peace along their shared border. He informed the two communities that the United Nations will continue to support them in their quest for peaceful co-existence along the border. SPLA Division 3 Representative Opening s Remarks The SPLA Division 3 Commander Major Gen. Santino Deng Wol s representative greeted attendance and ensured them that security is good for them in the border. Hon. Garang Kuach Ariath, Aweil West County Commissioner Opening Remarks Hon. Garang Kuach Ariath, Aweil West County Commissioner, welcomed the Caretaker Governor s representative, Lino Adub Achier and other invited delegates from communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat for attending the migration peace conference. He promised his support to the resolutions and to Joined Peace Committees. Hon. Ariath also greeted USAID s representative and AECOM International for the second time for their supposed for migration peace conference and peaceful co-existence. According to Hon Commissioner, the conference was supposed to take place last year in December but it got delayed for some unexplainable reasons. He also warned that resolutions were drafted last year and were violated and advised that this year resolutions should not be violated. Hon. Commissioner said that there are weakness with every peace resolution signed because people do not implement them very well. 7 Page
Hon. State Peace Advisor, Kuol Athuai Opening s Remarks Hon. State Peace Advisor Kuol Athuai Hal greeted the government delegates and the conference at large. He began his speech by highlighting his role in the government as an advisor on border issues in order who will ensure peace among border communities. He reminded the two communities of the effect of 21 years of civil conflict in the united Sudan and also argued that peace is better than war. In addition, Hon. Advisor greeted two communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat and appreciated them for their wiliness to attend this migration peace conference. Hon. Advisor informed Rezeigat community that Dinka Malual community is like light and fan for them because they normally stand with Rezeigat people in every situation. In addition, advisor said the government and its community will support this migration peace conference. Hon. Advisor requested Rezeigat community to block rebel in their area and do not allow them to come and attack people in the state. He also warned Rezeigat community to take care of their criminals in the border and do not allow them to kill people of South Sudan who allow their animals to graze on their land. Mr. Advisor gave example of the person was killed on Saturday in Kiirkou and asked Rezeigat leaders to assist in finding the culprits. Care Taker Governor s Representative Opening s Remarks Care Taker Governor s Representative, Hon. Minister. Lino Adub Achier greeted and conveyed governor s greeting to the migration peace conference attendance. Hon. Achier appreciated two communities of Dinka Malual for their commitment and attendance and urged them to continue with the same spirit for the peaceful co-existence. He said Governor has other commitment to attend in the state and will come on the last day for closure. In addition, he appreciates UN agencies, NGOs for their supports and other government partners present in migration peace conference. Care Taker Governor s Representative, Hon. Minister. Lino Adub Achier, officially decleared Dinka Malual and Rezeigat Migration Peace Conference open and finally urged the parties concerned to be open minded about their issues. Afternoon Session Closing Remarks: Riekriek Akook Garang, Facilitator Afternoon session began with the induction of the program by the conference facilitator (Riekriek Akook Garang) after conclusion of speeches. State Peace Coordinator, William Kolong Pioth handed over the conference to the facilitator, Riekriek Akook Garang. Mr. Garang quickly asked the delegates to go to lunch resume the conference after lunch break. He also asked conference participants to define conflict and state some of its causes which were done by the delegates. In addition, conflict early warning system exercise was conducted by the delegates to ensure their understanding of the conflict. After that, Mr. Riekriek gave a brief introduction of the conflict and conflict management by defining what its mean and highlighting causes of the conflict. Everyone from two communities overwhelmingly participated. 8 Page
The facilitator also requested delegates to raise burning issues not captured on the agenda. The first group of Dinka Malual complained that Rezeigat normally killed their people whenever they are leaving the Republic of South Sudan to the Republic of Sudan. They also claimed for unpaid compensation for the people killed by Rezeigat community members. The Rezeigat community leaders disputed some claims and promised to settle some claims as soon as possible. The SPLA representative also said that no incident of stolen cows had been reported to them at Brigade 16 and 17 both of which are based along the border. Rezeigat Presentation On the other hand, Rezeigat community claimed compensations for their people by Dinka Malual of which Hon. Kuol Athuai and Maj. Gen.Santino Deng Wol have promised to pay and have not done it. The heated debate took almost the whole of the afternoon and got resolved that peacefully. Participants were guide by the facilitator and were asked to direct the matter to Joined peace Committee for further investigation and solution. Finally, the facilitator asked the delegates to break into two groups of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat to review 2013-2014 pre-migration conference resolutions and first day session concluded with word of appreciation from the facilitator Day two (January 20, 2015): Continuation of presentation On second day, delegates were asked to continue with the review of previous resolutions, a process they could not finish on the first day. The Facilitators asked delegates from two communities to once again disperse into two groups which comprised Misseriya delegates and Dinka Malual delegates. Each group was asked to go over the past year resolutions to check if there were violation and whether or not there was need to remove or add other resolutions. This exercise took much part of the day. When the review was finished, the two groups finally gave their presentations Facilitator started with recaps of day one by informing two communities that immigration and revenue collection has to be reduced. He encouraged Rezeigat community members to remain calm and forward their request to the governor such that their immigration papers for a period of three months. Leaders of two communities to answer and commence on yesterday burning issues raise against each community. Dinka Malual was given a chance first to answer and commence on Rezeigat questions and issues. 9 Page
Join Peace Committee Chairperson, Angui Noon Atak Remarks However, Dinka Malual representative Anguei said Keer Abukdigin will be asked by peace committee to answer questions regarding Rezeigat cow he is holding. Mr Anguei suggested that compensation for Rezeigat killed will be taken care of by Santino Deng Wol because the deceased were killed by his soldiers and is accountable. Paramount Chiefs Remarks However, Paramount Chief Riiny Riiny Lual seconded Angui suggestions on issues brought up by Rezeigat. In addition, Paramount Chief, Mathok Diing Wol requested Rezeigat leaders to respect peace agreement and give chance joined peace committee to settle all disputes among communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat. Paramount Chief, Garang Diang Akook responded on Keer Abukdigin case. Mr Akook argued that Keer Abukdigin bought the cow from someone and will come with the person who sold it to him. He also accused Rezeigat for hiding killers on their side and never reveals the culprits. According to him, Dinka Malual normally reveals their people and never hid them. Paramount Chief Garang Diang Akook also claimed that he rescued 31 head of cattle from soldiers reported them to former commissioner of Aweil North County; Kuol Athuai Hal. 6 heads of cattle are still missing and Dinka Malual community is working hard to find them Ibrahim Ajak suggested formation of independent committee to look into issues separately from joined peace committee to avoid complication during conference and it was endorsed by the conference. Groups Presentations on Recommendations and Resolutions The Facilitators asked delegates from two communities to formed two groups comprised of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat delegates. Each group went over last year resolutions to check for violations and areas of implementations. The two communities concluded their exercise and present their final resolutions and recommendations. Dinka Malual group reviewed last year peace agreement and found some areas of violation not implemented by Rezeigat community. Dinka Malual accused Rezeigat pastoralists of violation of some resolutions as follow: Areas of violation by Rezeigat Community 1. Vaccination of cattle before arrival to Dinka Malual territory 2. Rezeigat members come to Dinka Malual territory with arms 3. Destruction of crops in many areas such as Akuakrak area when cattle were returning to Darfur in June 2014. 10 Page
4. Random selling of cows without proper documentation 5. Rezeigat search for their lost cattle by themselves without informing the concerned authorities in the state. 6. Inadequate protection for Dinka Malual members in Rezeigat territory while Rezeigat members are heavily protected in Dinka Malual territory 7. There is still random kidnapping perpetuated by Rezeigat members in Dinka Malual territory 8. Continuous burning of forests and grass in Dinka Malual territory by Rezeigat members 9. Intentional killing of Dinka Malual members by Rezeigat in Dinka Malual territory. 10. Refuse to pay immigration fees in some areas. Day Three (January 21, 2015) Word of Prayer: The two communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat represented their religions during the prayer in the conference through Christianity and Islamic religions. Reading of Recommendations and Resolutions Facilitator started the day by greeting all attendance and open the day by reading out conference recommendations and resolutions in present of the Caretaker Governor, H.E. Kuel Aguer Kuel; State Peace Advisor on border issues, Hon. Kuol Athuai Hal; SPLA division 3 Commander, Maj. Gen. Santino Deng Wol; UNIMISS State Coordinator; USAID representative, Jenifer; AECOM International Deputy Chief of Party, Chris Schulman; Commissioners of Aweil East County, Aweil North County, Aweil Center County, and Aweil West County; and other dignitaries by the facilitator with the assistant from one member from Rezeigat community, translated by both translators and Chol thon from UNMISS. After reading of the resolutions and recommendations, the delegates were asked to confirm accuracy and unanimously confirmed the resolutions and recommendations and then signed into workable document by two (2) representatives from Rezeigat and two (2) representatives from Dinka Malual and witnessed by UNMISS State Coordinator and State Peace Coordinator. Signing of Resolutions Signing of the conference s resolution started with exception of two signatories from Dinka Malual and two signatories from Rezeigat who will sign in the present of State governor H.E Governor Kuel Aguer Kuel. The first to sign on Dinka Malual side were Paramount Chief Dut Majak Majak and Paramount Chief, Riiny Riiny Lual. From Rezeigat side was Mohamed Benani and Jaluta Gadim 11 Page
Facilitator ended his work and handed it over to William Kolong Pioth, the State Peace Coordinator of NBeG. Mr. Pioth welcomed everybody and recognized the important of NBeG Care Taker Governor in the conference. Afternoon Session Closing Remarks Some individuals gave speeches during closing ceremony as illustrated below: Paramount Chiefs Remarks Paramount Chief Mathok Diing Wol greeted the Rezeigat delegation, H.E Governor Kuel Aguer Kuel, the MPs, SPLA members in attendance, and Dinka Malual delegations and expressed his gratitude to conference. Mr. confirmed that Rezeigat and Dinka Malual was one people and will always be one. Amiir greeted government all the delegations present in Dinka Malual-Rezeigat migration peace conference and said two things. First, he would like opening of the Samaha road and hear a solution of Rezeigat people killed at Aneet Market. Mohammad Banani greeted everybody including UNMISS, other NGOs in attendance, Governor, SPLA members, MPs, and both delegations. Alet Mayar Kuol requested the Rezeigat delegates to remain committed to sign an agreement with the people so that nobody should commit intentional killing in the border. She accused Rezeigat of continuous killing of people in the border. Questioned Rezeigat community members whether they have cancelled the peace that was signed last year? We the women of Dinka Malual of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State unconditionally accept peace and we would appreciate if our Rezeigat counterparts do same. Commissioners Clossing s Remarks Hon. Kon Angok, Aweil North Commissioner greeted everybody, the Governor and the MPs of NBeG State and informed the conference that the peace is between two tribes of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat Communities who share the border. If this peace succeeds, the Sudanese people and the South Sudanese people will benefit from it. In addition, he thanked the NGOs and UN agencies who have made this peace process possible. Hon. William Ajongo, Aweil Center County Commissioner greeted everybody but have two things to say. Agreements must be followed accordingly and if people come to his area, he will work with them collaboratively. Hon. Ngor Akook, Aweil East County Commissioner, greeted the leaders of SPLA, the Police Commissioner, NBeG State Governor H.E Kuel Aguer Kuel and appreciated how people conducted peace conference but he think whatever agreement made will have to honour it. 12 Page
USAID representative s Remarks Jenifer, USAID representative, greeted everybody and proud to say that USAID has been supporting this peace process for number of years. She also appreciated and recognized the present of Dinka Malual women in the conference and encouraged two communities to women involve in the next conference. Mrs. stated that USAID support this peace process because it understands the important of migration. USAID know from very beginning that you will honour these agreements because these are your own resolutions. Nobody have imposed them on you but you have made them yourselves (Rezeigat and Dinka Malual). UNMISS State Coordinator Closing Remarks UNMISS State Coordinator was pleased to be part of this historical event where Rezeigat and Dinka Malual Communities come together and draft their resolutions. He conveyed greetings from UN Special Envoy to South Sudan. According to UNMISS State Coordinator, UN Special Envoy to South Sudan would have been here today but she is committed somewhere today. UN is committed to support peace process in South Sudan. In conclusion, UNMISS State Coordinator is thankful for H.E Governor Kuel Aguer Kuel who is working hard for peaceful coexistence in the State and appreciated VISTAS Program for the successful conference. SPLA Division 3 Commander Clossing s Remarks SPLA Division 3 Commander, Maj. Gen. Santino Deng Wol, greeted all the delegations of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat and appreciated USAID through VISTA Program for the successful conference. Maj. Gen. said he has nothing to talk about because Care Taker Governor is there to address issues. He only attended the conference with the rest of his colleagues to witness the signing of resolutions. In addition, he informed the conference that they are mandated by the national constitution of South Sudan to protect South Sudanese civilians and those residing in South Sudan territory. State Advisor on Border Issues Closing Remarks State Advisor on Border Issues, Kuol Athuai Hal in his closing remarks greeted the conference in the name of two tribes in attendance and appreciated the present of H. E. Car Taker Governor Kuel Aguer Kuel. Mr. Hal informed the delegates of his intention not to talk again because had been with them for the last two days of the conference and he pointed out that Dinka Malual and Rezeigat were brothers and sisters but the politicians are dividing them and can still unite themselves. Aweil West County Commissioner Closing s Remarks Hosting Commissioner, Garang Kuach Ariath for the last time greeted everyone in the name of Aweil West County and commenced on guns brought to the Republic of South Sudan through his county by Rezeigat cattle herders. Mr. Ariath condemned Rezeigat community members 13 Page
coming to South Sudan with guns and should stop immediately. However, the commissioner concluded his speech and welcomed care taker governor, H.E Kuel Aguer Kuel. Governor s Closing Remark The Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, H.E Kuel Aguer Kuel, in closing remark, the Governor thanked Rezeigat greeted the delegates in the name of the Republic of South Sudan and conveyed greetings from the president of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit to the conference. The care taker governor appreciated the delegates for attending the conference and appreciated the hard-work of Dinka Malual chiefs for working toward sustainable peace. He also informed the delegates of his intention to commence on recommendations and resolutions of the conference. Before he commence on some of Governor Taking Picture with Delegates the recommendations that were raised by Rezeigat delegation, he inquired the present of the son of famous leader in Darfur. H.E also informed two communities of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat that they belong to Adam and Eve and should remain together. In addition, care taker governor warned the two communities that peace has no replacement. In different tone, he warned Rezeigat communities to refrain from border discussion because border demarcation is not yet done and should remain as national issue. H.E encouraged and directed Rezeigat communities to discuss criminals creating problems along the border and honour peace signed between two communities because war has no benefit but destruction. Mr. Governor ensured Rezeigat of total protection when entering the Republic of South Sudan through Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. Governor politely requested Rezeigat community to implement these wonderful recommendations and resolutions and report criminals to the right authorities because government always exist because of criminals. However, H. E corrected recommendation that any criminal caught should be reported to the right administration to face the law or deported back to his authority. According to His Excellency, criminal caught committing crime should be arrested and face the law of the land in the area of which crime was committed. H.E also opposed the idea of conducting next year migration conference between Dinka Malual and Rezeigat in Abu Matarik in Darfur because the security of the delegates attending the conference will not be 100 per cent. The Governor completely rejected the idea of conducting 2016 Pre-migration conference at Abu Matarik due to the security reason. Instead, he requested 14 Page
Rezeigat community to either bring commissioner in charge of their location or government representative on their side to committee himself with responsibility. The Rezeigat community also recommended that the State of NBeG should investigate the killing of Rezeigat civilian in Aneet Market and H.E, responded that Aneet is part of Warrap State and NBG state should not be responsible for those killed in Aneet market. H. E. the Governor, Kuel Aguer Kuel, distanced himself from the Aneet Market incidence since the incidence occurred in Warrap State H.E. the Governor accepted the request that the State of NBeG should facilitate the peace conference process between Western Bahr El Ghazal state government and Rezeigat people along their border. H.E Kuel Aguer Kuel agreed to facilitate conference arrangement between Western Bahr el Ghazal State and Rezeigat people of Fardos requested Rezeigat delegation to bring someone from Fardos and will connect him with his colleague, Western Bahr el Ghazal Governor to arrange their conference possibly in March of this year. Finally, H. E. the Governor seconded the conference for women and youth of Dinka Malual and Rezeigat communities in the state because he believes peace can be effective with the present of women and youth. H. E. the Governor requested USAID and UN agencies to fund women and youth conference because government has no fund to support peace initiative for youth and women of the two communities of Rezeigat and Dinka Malual. In addition, the governor believes that Youths are the trouble makers in any society and Women suffer the consequences. Therefore, Women & Youths must be part of these conferences to make resolutions more concrete and inclusive. Furthermore, Governor requested UN, and other NGOs to support State residents with water and health projects; shops for local businessmen, and radios to dissemination information quickly among local communities. In conclusion, H.E Kuel appreciated and thanked delegates from both communities for taking time to attend the migration peace conference and told them that they have made a right choice by choosing peace over conflict. H.E reminded the delegates of the devastating effects caused by the recent civil war within their respective communities. H.E warned them to refrain from war if they do not want their children to undergo similar suffering and encouraged them to adhere to peace and allow the government to do everything possible to support peace initiatives/ programs. Finally, H.E assured the two communities of his government commitment and capability to ensure peace prevail along the border 15 Page