06/08/2026
JUBA | Thursday, August 6, 2026
TONJ ELDERS ENDORSE GREATER TONJ PEACEBUILDING & RECONCILIATION FORUM
JUBA – Tonj Community Elders in Juba yesterday poured out their support for the Greater Tonj Peacebuilding and Reconciliation Forum ahead of the planned reconciliation conference in the capital.
The leadership of the Forum met with senior figures of the Tonj community to brief them on the peace plan and seek their blessings.
Those present included:
1. Dr. Riak Gok Majok – Deputy Chairman, Tonj Community Leadership in Juba
2. Cde. Achuil Akoc – Chairmanship Candidate, Tonj Community Leadership in Juba
"TONJ CANNOT BE DESTROYED" - DR. RIAK GOK, Addressing the Forum, Dr. Riak Gok Majok called for unity, saying the community must rise above division. “Even if people think Tonj will be left alone to perish. We can’t perish all. Tonj has always been having leaders who represent her. So let us unite for peace to come to Tonj,” Dr. Riak said.
ACHUIL AKOC , Cde. Achuil Akoc traced the history of Tonj leadership and urged inclusivity in the peace process.
“Tonj has always had great leaders representing it since Sudan. From Deng Nhial, Muorwel Malou, Wol Akoc, Dr. Tobby Maduot, Gen. George Kongor Arop….
In SPLA/SPLM: Gen., Molana Dhol Achuil, Mario Muor Muor, Gen. Bol Madut, Gen. Aleu Ayieny, Nhial Deng Nhial,” he said.
He blamed the current crisis on post-2005 politics. “Our problems started in 2005 when we came to Juba. That is when leaders began elbowing out others and misunderstanding occurred.”
“Achuil Akoc added, I supported this idea. You include all sons and daughters of Tonj. Reach out to as many as you can, including your adversaries, and forgive them for the sake of peace in Tonj.”
MORRIS MABIOR: "I AM READY TO FORGIVE"
In a significant gesture, SG Morris Mabior Awikjok told the elders that he is ready to forgive and be forgiven. He said he is “READY TO FORGIVE all those who have done wrong to him and those he has offended.”
SG Morris Mabior immediately apologized to Dr. Riak Gok Majok and committed to carry the same message of forgiveness across Greater Tonj.
The meeting concluded with full backing from the elders for the upcoming Reconciliation Conference in Juba. The elders urged the committee to continue engaging all stakeholders despite challenges.
The Greater Tonj Peacebuilding and Reconciliation Forum said it will use the elders’ endorsement to mobilize more support from all three counties of Tonj North, South, and East.
