The Rup community in Rumbek Central County of Lakes State has agreed to work towards reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity. A delegation from Juba, led by Dr. Matur Ater Majing, Chairperson of the Rup Community in Juba, recently visited Rumbek to address conflicts affecting members of the community. The delegation aimed to promote peace among the Rup community and other communities in the area. Dr. Majing stated that the visit was necessary to address conflicts that had affected four Payams of the Rup community.
A major meeting was held at Akon Buoi Hall in Rumbek Central County, bringing together chiefs, elders, and spiritual leaders from the Rup community. The meeting resolved that no member of the Rup community should attack another person, and members should live peacefully, refraining from looting property, even in times of conflict. The community also agreed to organise a general Rup community conference, which may take place in September or December, depending on preparations. This conference aims to solidify the peace process and promote unity among community members.
The Rup community has agreed to resolve cases of compensation for people killed during conflicts through traditional means, rather than relying solely on courts. Dr. Majing stated that the community would establish a subcommittee to oversee compensation, including the selection of suitable cattle for blood compensation acceptable to the family of the deceased. This approach aims to provide a fair and culturally sensitive solution to compensation issues.
The reconciliation process is a collective effort involving members of the Rup community in Juba and Rumbek. Daniel Kon Dhelbeny, Deputy Chairperson of the Rup Community in Rumbek Central County, described the process as a success, with four of the planned 11 chieftaincy meetings already conducted. The community has shown general acceptance of peace in their localities and Payams, and leaders have appreciated the efforts of intellectuals, women, and youth organisations.
The Rup community plans to invite members living outside Rumbek and Juba to support the peace process by spreading messages of peace in their respective areas. The planned general conference will bring together members of the Rup community and serve as a celebration of the peace achieved across the four Payams. Community leaders have resolved and agreed to 25 key resolutions, which are crucial for promoting peace and unity.
Youth leaders and community intellectuals have met to discuss issues affecting the Rup community. Jamal Marial, Gelwong youth leader of Among-piny Payam in Rumbek Central County, stated that the meeting recognised that conflict had brought no benefit to the community. Instead, hunger and food insecurity were identified as major challenges facing families. As a result, many youths are now engaged in activities in villages and cattle camps to find food for their families.
The head chief of Cueiadukan Payam in Rumbek Central County, Sabit Kuac Manyiel, reported that eight sections participated in a peace meeting focused on peaceful coexistence within the Rup community. Forgiveness was a key issue discussed during the meeting, and the community has resolved to make peace and provide compensation for the blood of those who lost their lives. The community is committed to resolving its differences through dialogue and peaceful means.
Key points
- The Rup community in Rumbek has agreed to pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity to promote peaceful coexistence.
- The community has resolved to address compensation issues through traditional means, rather than relying solely on courts.
- A general Rup community conference is planned to solidify the peace process and promote unity among community members.
