President Kiir and FVP Machar Call for an End to Twic-Abyei Conflict

President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny (Photo credit: PPU)

JUBA – President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny have jointly called for an immediate end to the sub-national violence in parts of the country. The two leaders made this call during a meeting focused on the ongoing land-related conflict between the Ngok and Twic communities.

During the meeting, Presidential Affairs Minister Hon. Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro stated that discussions also touched on the upcoming elections, specifically the funding of electoral institutions and the implementation of Phase II of the Security Arrangements as outlined in the September 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has expressed appreciation for the meeting between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar. 

The organization sees it as a positive response to their advocacy efforts. CEPO believes that it is encouraging to witness the top political leadership of the country coming together to seek solutions to the ongoing armed conflict between the Twic Mayardit and Ngok Dinka communities.

Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, has described the recent violence as a disturbing development that could be classified as crimes against humanity or even genocide. 

In the first 36 days of 2024 alone, over 150 lives have been lost, more than 160 people have been injured, and significant properties and livelihoods have been destroyed. These alarming figures were not recorded after the signing of the revitalized peace agreement. The current armed communal violence, particularly between Twic Mayardit and Ngok Dinka, has witnessed the perpetration of grave human atrocities.

Yakani emphasized the urgent need for the country’s top political leadership to prioritize the safety, protection, and security of civilians. Insecurity in various parts of the country is hindering human development and societal progress.

CEPO is urging President Kiir and First Vice President Machar to take decisive action against political elites who are fueling communal violence, including those who are mobilizing youth to engage in armed conflict.