Toposa and Buya community members dance after resolving to end regular skirmishes and live peacefully
After years of sporadic skirmishes between the Toposa of Riwoto and Buya of Kimotong counties, the two have finally resolved to live peacefully.
“In the past, our cattle grazed together. There was no conflict, and the senseless killings we see today did not exist, either,” said Joseph Losikie, the paramount chief of Riwoto county.
Indeed, these two are the predominant pastoralist communities in Kapoeta, Eastern Equatoria, and previously lived in peace, mutually sharing resources, despite their diverse cultures. However, recent years have been marred by frequent conflicts over shared water sources and grazing fields which have then led to cattle raids.
“We have lost too many lives. It is time to demonstrate our willingness to talk to each other to achieve peace,’’ said Lino Meretula Lochuk, the paramount chief of Kimotong.
After bouts of heavyweight consultations and integrated patrols to the area by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, the feuding neighbours agreed to a two-day peace dialogue.
“We are gravely concerned about the killings between your communities, and hope this occasion creates an opportunity to sit as brothers and sisters so you can resolve your differences peacefully,” said Abdul Rahman Kamara, a representative of the UN mission.
It is hoped that communities will use the platform as a springboard for further engagement.
“I lost my son and husband to the recent disputes, but I am still hopeful for peace,” said Mary, a women’s group representative from Riwoto. “If peace means taking away cattle and guns, then the government should do this,” she continued.
“I don’t see why people should lose their lives over cattle,” lamented Lolupio Lotilima, a youth leader from Kimotong.
Thankfully, the Kapoeta local government was impatient about settling the disputes. For the first time, it deployed three high-level ministers and two advisors to support the peace talks.
“We are committed to maintaining peace and order and will deal with all miscreants,” said Joseph Kabaka Atiol, leader of the government delegation. “We will also re-open the connecting road to strengthen relations, improve security and promote trade between the two communities,” he added.
Over 120 community leaders as well as members of the clergy attended the forum.
“We need you to focus more on developing this area and sending your children to school instead of on killing each other,” Bishop Arkanejolo Wani Lemi of the African Inland Church stated.
“The conflict must end so that when the harvest season starts, you will go to your farms without fear of harm,’’ said Bishop Stephen Ameyu of the Catholic Diocese of Torit.
Some of the resolutions made include forgiving and forgetting past wrongs committed by either of the parties, the prohibition of all forms of violence against women and children under any circumstances and sharing of pasture and resources, especially during the dry season. The communities also agreed that any violation of the agreement will mean disarmament and impounding of cattle of the offending party by the government.
Today, the youth of Buya and Toposa have commenced exchange visits to consolidate renewed ties. Additionally, the peacekeeping mission also continues to work hand in hand with the chiefs and people to ensure that resolutions are implemented.