A nine-day conference aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence in Kafia Kingi has concluded with representatives of 41 tribes pledging to resolve local disputes through customary mechanisms. The conference, which began on 21 September, brought together traditional leaders and community representatives from Kafia Kingi and surrounding areas. The event was held in a disputed area along the Sudan-South Sudan border near the Central African Republic.
Kafia Kingi is a region claimed by both South Sudan and Sudan. South Sudan considers it part of Raja County in Western Bahr el-Ghazal State, while Sudan administers it as part of South Darfur State. The conference aimed to promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen social cohesion, and improve relations among communities in the area. Kafia Kingi police chief Al-Ghali Bashar Bashir emphasized that security is a shared responsibility between authorities and local communities.
The conference saw participation from traditional leaders and community representatives from diverse backgrounds. Kafia Kingi Omda Bashir Adam Mohammed expressed gratitude to traditional leaders from neighboring areas for attending the conference. He said their participation demonstrates a commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation among communities. Mohammed also praised local women for their continued support for residents in the area.
Several speakers at the conference emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and respect for local customs and traditions. Yousif Ali Al-Ghali, paramount chief of the Habbaniya tribe, called for the conference’s recommendations to be distributed across the localities of Greater Buram. This, he hoped, would help promote understanding and cooperation among different communities in the region.
Ibrahim Al-Shughail, Rapid Support Forces commander in Kafia Kingi, urged communities to reject division and discrimination. He called on people who had left the area to return and contribute to its reconstruction. Al-Shughail emphasized that communities should be treated equally and that there was enough land for everyone. His sentiments were echoed by other speakers who emphasized the need for cooperation and peaceful resolution of disputes.
The conference concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence and resolving community disputes through customary mechanisms. The agreement was hailed as a significant step towards promoting peace and stability in the region. The conference’s outcome was seen as a positive development, given the region’s history of conflict and tension.
The Kafia Kingi conference is the latest effort to promote peace and stability in the region. Key stakeholders have welcomed the outcome, hoping it will lead to improved relations among communities and a reduction in tensions.
Key points
- 41 tribes agree to resolve local disputes through customary mechanisms.
- The conference aimed to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen social cohesion.
- Kafia Kingi is a disputed area claimed by both South Sudan and Sudan.