By Matik Kueth
The Governor of Unity State, Riek Biem, is planning to embark on a peace trip to neighboring states in an effort to promote peace dialogue to improve border security and address the persistent issue of cattle theft.
Biem, who spoke at the Eighth Governors’ Forum in Juba on Thursday, emphasized that the peace tour would primarily focus on engaging state leaders and encouraging them to sensitize their youth to refrain from participating in cattle theft activities.
“We will engage in a peace tour to the neighboring states and bring on board the border commissioners to discuss how to improve the security situation in the borders,” Biem stated.
The peace tour, he said, will help reduce the atrocities caused by armed youth from Unity State and neighboring states, particularly those from Rubkona, Mayom, Guit, and Panyijiar Counties.
Biem underlined the significance of inter-state collaboration and the role of border commissioners in promoting security in the affected regions.
He stressed that livestock theft continued to be a major problem though there are no boundary issues with Warrap and Lakes States.
He noted that “despite progress in resolving territorial conflicts and ensuring oil operations, the issue of cattle theft by armed youth continues to threaten peace and stability.”
On July 28, 2024, Biem took decisive action during a peace conference held in Mankien Payam of Mayom County by disbanding the Terchuong armed militia, a notorious group responsible for disrupting security in Unity State.
Locals who have suffered at the hands of the armed organization viewed the action as a major step toward restoring order and guaranteeing civilian safety.
The Terchuong paramilitary group had been a source of concern for the residents, as their actions had caused widespread fear and uncertainty. The group, mainly based in Mayom County, was known for cattle theft, causing atrocities within Unity State and the neighboring States like Warrap and Ruweng administrative area.
According to Biem, the upcoming peace tour is essential for ensuring peaceful coexistence between Unity State and its neighbors, reducing violent confrontations, and safeguarding the livelihoods of local populations.