May 21, 2024 (LAINYA) – A three-day civil-military dialogue concluded in Bereka Boma of Lainya county in Central Equatoria State with calls for peace and unity.
Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), organized the symposium.
Bereka Boma is one of the areas greatly affected by the 2016 civil war that broke out in Juba and extended to most of the parts of the southern Central Equatorial State. As a result, a number of atrocities were committed in the area forcing several civilians to escape the area for their safety.
Speaking during the dialogue, CEPO’s project officer, John Scopas Malish explained that the dialogue aimed to foster peaceful coexistence between the military and civilians to encourage civilians to return to their homes in Bereka.
“The dialogue brought together military and civilian participants from Bereka Boma to build a foundation for peaceful coexistence”, he said.
He appealed to the government to ensure the safety and security of citizens.
The Lainya County head chief, Samuel Malik John said the three-day dialogue seeks to encourage the return of the local community who fled Bereka Boma.
“The dialogue has reassured them that the soldiers are here to protect them. Residents are now willing to return home and start farming,” said Malik.
He added, “The forces [deployed in the area] are here to protect the people and their property. We hope to see positive changes in Bereka soon.”
The Retired Bishop Lihab Lako, one of the facilitators of the dialogue called on the army and civilians in the county to co-exist and support one another.
“When the new army arrived, the land was empty and now they need to reconcile and protect the returning civilians,” he explained, adding, “Civilians should also support the military with necessities like food to foster cooperation.”
The dialogue, held under the theme, “Bridging Divides: Fostering Unity for Peaceful -Coexistence in Bereka Boma,” brought together 100 participants, including the military, local authorities, religious leaders, chiefs, women and youth.
(ST)
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