By Matik Kueth
The Governor of Unity State, Dr. Joseph Nguen Manytuil, on Wednesday urged armed youth in Mayom County to end violence and embrace peaceful coexistence with neighboring communities.
His appeal comes after a series of fatal attacks allegedly carried out by Mayom’s armed youth from neighboring Warrap State and Abiemnom County of the Ruweng Administrative Area in recent months.
Manytuil, who traveled to Mayom County on a peace mission yesterday, called on armed youth to cease violence and resolve disputes through dialogue.
“My message goes to you the youth of Mayom. Let us live peacefully with our neighbors. Abiemnom people are our brothers, Warrap people are our people, those of Parieng are our people. Let’s embrace peace with our neighboring states so that peace reign in South Sudan. Let us refrain from tribalism and cattle raiding. There’s no gain in shedding innocent blood,” Dr. Manytuil said.
He stressed the value of life and the need for youth to choose peace over violence.
“You were not born to die anyhow. Stop causing violence and embrace peace. All I want from you is your happiness, and also make me happy by showing me that you can live peacefully with our neighbors. Let bygone be bygone. Let me not hear again that a Mayom son has gone to kill someone’s son in our neighboring areas,” he added.
Mayom County Commissioner, John Bol Mayak, echoed the governor’s call and urged the youth to choose peace over conflict and end inter-communal violence.
“My appeal goes to you, the youth of Mayom, and I’ll reiterate what the governor said. Let’s embrace peace with our neighboring areas. Let’s also refrain from inter-communal conflicts so that we can live peacefully in Mayom to avoid insecurity,” he stated.
The governor further urged the youth to desist from cattle raiding, describing it as a major driver of violence in the region and a barrier to peaceful coexistence.
He is expected to convene additional meetings with traditional leaders, youth, and local authorities to figure out long-term solutions geared at restoring peace in the area.