Paramount chiefs from the Lou Nuer communities in Akobo, Nyirol and Uror counties of Jonglei State have appealed for peace in their areas, urging national leaders to back efforts aimed at restoring stability.
The chiefs, led by Chief Simon Tuach Gatluak, met on
Thursday with Public Service and Human Resource Development Minister Ezekiel
Lol Gatkuoth in Juba to present what they described as a unified call for calm.
The Lou Nuer counties have experienced intensified fighting
between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s
Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) since late December 2025.
“They emphasized that the stability and security of their
communities remain their highest priority and reaffirmed their commitment to
working closely with the government to restore calm, rebuild trust, and promote
reconciliation among their people,” a statement from the minister’s office
said.
The chiefs asked the minister to relay their message to
President Salva Kiir and expressed readiness to spearhead grassroots peace
initiatives.
“They expressed their sincere desire to personally engage in
grassroots peace efforts by returning to the Lou Nuer areas to encourage
displaced residents to come back to their towns and resume normal life,” the
statement said.
They also sought a meeting with the president before
returning to the region, requesting his guidance, blessings, and support for
their peace mission.
The chiefs stressed that sustainable peace can only be
achieved through unity, dialogue, and collective responsibility.
Minister Gatkuoth assured them of the government’s commitment to peace in the greater Lou Nuer area and said he would convey their concerns to the leadership, the statement added.