Community Empowerment for Progress Organization Leads Civilian-Military Trust Building Dialogue in Morobo County

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) successfully concluded a three-day peace dialogue in Kimba Payam of Morobo County, aimed at fostering trust and confidence between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the civilian population.

The dialogue, which brought together 100 participants including civilians, military personnel, women representatives, persons with disabilities (PWDS), religious leaders, and chiefs from Kimba Payam, ran from 27th to 29th May. Religious leaders from the ECSS Church and the Free Charismatic Church played a key role in mediating the discussions.

Kimba Payam, located in Central Equatorial State, is home to three armed groups, namely SSPDF, SPLA/IO, and NAS Forces. The lack of central command within these military forces has led to strained relationships with the civilian population in Morobo County.

Bishop Isaiah Dada of the Charismatic Church emphasized the importance of peace, defining it as “being without problems with any person, like your wife, neighbors, and communities.”

Participants from the dialogue highlighted the urgent need for local and higher authorities to address misconceptions between the military and civilians in the county. Peacebuilding efforts, such as those championed by CEPO, aim to bridge gaps and foster positive relationships between the civil and military sectors for peaceful coexistence.

“CEPO has been at the forefront of promoting peace and understanding between civilians and the military. Over the past year, we have facilitated over 10 civil-military dialogues, with three dialogues already held this year in Greater Ye,” said Maish Cosmas, representing CEPO.

The initiative was implemented by ECSS religious leaders and Free Charismatic religious leaders, with support from CEPO and IOM-led consortium, in collaboration with the local authorities of Morobo County. The dialogue serves as a crucial step towards building mutual trust and cooperation between the civilian and military communities for sustainable peace and development in the region.