Civil society groups urge to stop hostilities in W. Bahr El Ghazal
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Urgent action for sustainable peace in Western Bahr El Ghazal State
Civil Society Statement: June 10, 2015
Wau –Western Bahr El Ghazal State- The Republic of South Sudan
We, civil society organizations, observing the sequence of events
taking place across the country and particularly in Western Bahr El
Ghazal State (WB) with great concern.
Aware that it is only less than a month when the Paramount chief of
Wau County was assassinated in Bagari by unknown gunpersons; an
incident that has largely affected the local community and contributed
to further fear and concerns.
Standing in solidarity with the families of those who lost their sons
during as they were undertaking their normal duties in Bazia; come
together on this day of 04th June 2015 in Wau County to make the
following expressions;
On 31st May 2015, in Wau County, Bazia Payam security threats were
renewed in which two local Police officers lost their lives to an
armed group claimed to be associated with South Sudan armed rebels. We
affirm that this situation is perceived by the state population as a
direct threat to their safety and security, worsens the already
fragile food security situation and further affects the prospects of
sustainable peace and development in the area given the prolonged the
painful cycle of conflicts.
Considering that Wau County currently presents a stable and peaceful
area not only for WB state population but for many other Neighboring
South Sudan States. The County is among the few with the ability to
sustain farming activities and provide for surrounding communities. In
addition Western Bahr El Ghazal State continues to receive high influx
of IDPs exceeding 100,000 and large population of returnees who are
still striving to settle, therefore security threats have a massive
negative impact on the already vulnerable communities,
We note with concern the need to learn from the misery, pain, and
instability caused by war as an urgent step for us to strive and
invest in a peaceful struggle to rebuild our country. As civil society
we are fully aware that it is only through dialogue, enduring,
accommodating and accepting each other as equal beings that we will be
able to resolve our challenges and settle them peacefully.
Western Bahr El Ghazal State has resented falling into the chaos of
conflict for the past 2 years particularly because of the deep
understanding of our communities of the brutality and lasting
consequences of civil conflicts. We therefore call on our leaders who
are known in amicably settling conflicts to intervene with this wisdom
aimed at restoring peace and protecting vulnerable groups who are
mostly affected.
The people of Western Bahr El Ghazal State are already enduring severe
food scarcity and economic hardship where the state is largely
affected by the surrounding instability with no significant support in
place. Today we Voice the message that “War is not the answer for our
differences; dialogue is essential for sustainable peace”.
Together, we present the following urgent actions for sustainable
peace in Western El Ghazal State;
We urge the armed groups to refrain from any armed activities within
the State and respect the hostility agreement signed in Addis Ababa as
well as key International standards for peace security such as the
Geneva Convention. The suffering of our people within the State or
outside is NOT Acceptable.
We call on the entire community to work for peace and to accept and
support each other against the brutality of civil war and to restrain
from supporting armed conflict that results in further destruction,
misery and death.
We also encourage the local communities, local leadership and youth to
spread and embrace the culture of peace and to stand firm against all
acts of violence and to exercise patience and tranquility.
Lastly, We call on South Sudan government, regional and the
International community to work towards containing the impact of
conflict not only by supporting communities in conflict zones but by
extending support to other vulnerable communities affected by the
impact of the contagious spreading of armed conflict.
The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa
Unity Cultural and Development Center
Women Training and Promotion Association
Women Development Group
SAWA SAWA Women Development Peace Society
Alma Awach Girl Child Empowerment Organization (AAGCE)
Copyright © 2015 Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa,
All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa
Plot 3 Katalima Bend, Naguru
P.O.Box 2793, Kampala
Uganda
www.sihanet.org
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