By Sabrino Majok Majok
(gurtong Edidited and Published)-Much dreaded eventuality of Murle and Lou-Nuer conflict occurred when more than 6,000 heavily armed Lou-Nuer youths overran Pibor town on Saturday, December 31st, in defiance of repeated appeal by Vice President Dr. Riak Machar Teng.
Yes, the capture of Likuangole and Pibor in presence of SPLA and UNMISS peacekeepers is worrisome in respect to security of South Sudan. Because if this conflict is not judiciously controlled and addressed in earnest, say within next few days and months, it will send a negative signal to war weary citizens of South Sudan who are now yearning for peace and stability. At worst, indecisive or superficial move may be misinterpreted; that with huge gun power a community can do whatever it wishes; or that government is unwilling or unable to protect its citizens, etc.
To avoid misinterpretation and future tragedies, government should form truth and reconciliation tribunal to investigate and recommend viable course of action and also formulate how similar conflicts, God forbid, can be resolved in the Republic of South Sudan.
In the meantime, our ministries of defence and internal Affairs should rash to the drawing table and devise a comprehensive disarmament strategy throughout South Sudan so that these lethal weapons are immediately collected and subsequently stored by trusted personnel (unit) to prevent their going back to communities in one way or another.
While events are unfolding in Jonglei, let’s pray that Murle and Lou-Nuer conflict will eventually close the ugly chapter of merciless killings and destruction within our community. When that time comes we must loudly and sincerely say, “Never again.”
Sabrino Majok Majok is a citizen of the Republic of South Sudan. He lives in Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.