29/12/2024
Youth leader calls for joint efforts to end violence in Warrap
The chairperson of the Tonj Youth Union in Juba has called for collective action to end the rising insecurity and violence in Warrap State.
For years, diverse communities in Warrap State have been caught in a vicious cycle of cattle raiding and revenge attacks, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and theft of livestock. These conflicts are often linked to politicians who allegedly arm their supporters to protect their resources.
Gabriel Madut, the youth leader, emphasized the critical role youth leaders can play in fostering peace within their communities.
“As much as we are in Juba, we must focus on other things, but we must also reflect on what is happening on the ground. The insecurities and killings back home have traumatized many of us,” Madut told The Radio Community on Friday. “The deaths of women, children, and elderly people are something none of us can be proud of.”
Madut urged youth leaders to step up and work closely with the government to ensure violence in their communities is brought to an end.
“I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of youth leaders, to urge them to join hands with the government to ensure that insecurity ceases in our communities,” Madut said.
He stressed that achieving peace is not solely the responsibility of the government but requires the collective effort of society, particularly the youth.
“Bringing peace is not only the responsibility of the government. It is our collective responsibility, beginning from within ourselves,” he asserted.
Madut noted that the youth involved in the violence are not strangers but members of the same communities. He called for direct engagement, encouraging youth leaders to actively reach out to those perpetuating the violence.
“We must understand that the youth fighting in the villages are our people, and we have the right connections to talk to them. We must understand ourselves and play a significant role in bringing peace by returning to our communities,” he explained.
According to Madut, the roots of the conflict run deep, with minor disputes often escalating into larger, more serious issues.
While land disputes and cultural differences, such as those related to marriage, have contributed to tensions, Madut believes the primary cause is a lack of brotherhood and unity.
“These are some of the minor issues fueling conflict in the area. In the past, it was primarily about cattle raiding. But nowadays, to the best of my knowledge, it is no longer just about cattle raiding. It now involves issues like marriage, land disputes, and conflicts between brothers, which then escalate into serious fights,” he explained.
Madut also called on the government of Warrap State to actively involve youth and student leaders in peace-building efforts, stressing that their participation is crucial to achieving lasting peace in the region.
“I urge the government of Warrap State to involve youth leaders and even student leaders in peace-building efforts,” he said.
Copied: The Radio Community
