Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal state governments have allowed the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and a police force to take charge of the disputed Manyang area.
This agreement was a recommendation from the joint fact-finding committee tasked with addressing the land dispute between the two states.
“In the report, it is recommended that joint police forces and SSPDF will be deployed in Manyang to be responsible until a sustainable peace is signed,” said William Wol, Warrap State information minister.
Manyang is an area in the South of Gogrial East County of Warrap state and East of Jur River county of Western Bahr el Ghazal state.
In August 2023, communities clashed over the land ownership, and this resulted in displacement of some residents.
As a result, the two state governments formed the fact-finding committee to investigate the conflict.
“The other recommendation is that no county commissioner of Gogrial East or Jur River County i allowed to raise a flag there, and no local government administrator will operate there,” Wol stated.
“The final recommendation is that the two state governors are tasked with disseminating peace messages to Manyang to inform the people about the agreement,” he stated.
Currently, at least 10 people suspected of inciting the conflict are in police custody
In accordance with the recommendations, a special police unit and traditional court shall be established to investigate and try the suspects.
“The committee of traditional chiefs will be established within 14 working days as well as the police independent force to restore law and order,” he added.
For their part, the Governor of Western Bahr El Ghazal State, Sarah Cleto, on her official Facebook page confirmed the agreement, saying it will restore peace and social cohesion.
“Today’s discussions resolved into the importance of cooperation between the two states, the significance of peaceful coexistence among communities, and called upon the security organs to maintain law and order and protect civilians and their properties,” she writes.