All-Jonglei Conference for Peace, Reconciliation and Tolerance, held in Bor, 1-5 May 2012: Conference Resolutions and Recommendations

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Country/entity: South Sudan
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: All-Jonglei Conference for Peace, Reconciliation and Tolerance, held in Bor, 1-5 May 2012: Conference Resolutions and Recommendations
Date: 5 May 2012
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/local conflict
Sudan Conflicts (1955 - )
Agreements relate to several distinct dyads, and also the negotiated independence of South Sudan, and subsequent internal conflict in South Sudan. Sudan-South Sudan. The long-standing conflict between the north and the south of the country dates back to colonial times, where the British introduced a so-called ‘Southern Policy’, severely hampering population movements between these big regions. Immediately after gaining independence in 1956, southern movements started to fight for independence; this fight became professionalised in 1983 with the foundation of the soon internationally supported Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). When the Islamic Front government introduced strict sharia laws in the south after it took over power in 1988 the war intensified. A decade later, the military situation reached a stalemate, enabling internationally facilitated peace negotiations to begin in 1997. After more fighting, a final negotiation push began in 2002, leading to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Areement (CPA) in January 2005.

Sudan-South Sudan post referendum. South Sudan became independent in July 2011; since then, relations between the two countries are complicated and violent conflict led by the SPLM (North) in the Sudanese Nuba mountains region has since intensified.

Darfur. Other long-standing violent conflicts are in the east and the west of the country. In the east, the Beja Congress, established in 1957, is the spearhead of a currently ‘peaceful’ opposition movement. In the west, the violent conflict in Darfur intensified in the early 2000s and rapidly gained international attention, even resulting in genocide charges against leading figures of the Sudanese government. The situation on the ground is complex, with over a dozen organisations (most notably the Sudanese Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement) fighting the Sudanese government and allied groups like the Janjaweed – although all parties have switched sides on numerous occasions. Several mediation attempts have not been successful, due to the shaky commitment of the Sudanese central government and the distrust among the armed opposition.

South Sudan - internal
In December 2013, after president Salva Kiir accused opposition leader Riek Machar of attempting a coup, violent conflict broke out between government forces of the SPLM/A and anti-governmental groups. In addition, several other political militias as well as communal militias have joined the conflict. In 2015 the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) was signed. Due to unsuccessful implementation the agreement was revitalized in 2018. In September 2019, Kiir and Machar agreed to establish a power-sharing government after struggles on forming a unity transitional government.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Inter-group
Peace process: South Sudan: Post-secession Local agreements
Parties: the eighty four (84) chiefs, elders, women and youth representing all eleven counties and all six communities of Jonglei State
Third parties: Governor Kuol Manyang Juuk;
national and state ministers;
members of the national and state legislative assemblies;
chairpersons of national commissions;
County Commissioners;
religious leaders;
intellectuals;
UNMISS;
international observers and experts;
rganised by the Presidential Committee for Peace, Reconciliation and Tolerance in Jonglei State.
Description: Conference outcome document listing the problems and potential means of resolving issues in Jonglei state. Document has an appendix with an implementation timeline and task divisions. Issues include the abduction of women, children, elderly and disabled; theft of livestock; insecurity; food insecurity; IDPS, etc. Traditional leadership is granted more autonomy in the South Sudanese state structure.

Agreement document: 120505_SS_JONGLEI STATE COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE FOR PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND TOLERANCE.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Main category: Page 1, Preamble, eighty four (84) chiefs, elders, women and youth representing all eleven counties and all six communities of Jonglei State met in the Jonglei State Communities Conference in Bor from 1st - 5th May 2012.

Page 2, Problem Statement,
3. Killing of vulnerable persons (including children, women, elderly, disabled)
The scale of fighting has escalated, with the killing and mutilation of women, children, elderly and disabled. This is different to traditional conflicts.

Page 2, Problem Statement,
4. Abduction of women and children, whether by violence, kidnapping or trafficking
Abduction of women and children is a major problem. In some cases they are kidnapped rather than abducted violently, and sometimes they are trafficked.

Page 3, RESOLUTIONS, B. Insecurity caused by conflict between communities
... b) Combat woman and child abduction and trafficking.

Page 4, RESOLUTIONS, C. Killing of vulnerable persons (including women, children, elderly, disabled)
a) Stop wanton killing. b) Waive compensation for those killed in the past.
c) Compensation to be paid for those killed since the beginning of the current disarmament campaign, as a deterrent.

Page 4, RESOLUTIONS, D. Abduction of women and children, whether by violence, kidnapping or trafficking
a) Tracing and identification of abductees. b) Immediate return of abductees where possible. c) Regularisation of status by negotiation for those who cannot be returned.
d) Registration of births, marriages and deaths.

Page 4, RESOLUTIONS, E. Theft of livestock
... c) Chiefs to control thieves, raiders and abductors. Bride price to be discussed in each community.

Page 5, RECOMMENDATIONS, J. Killing of vulnerable persons (including women, children, elderly, disabled)
a) Arrest and trial of culprits.
 b) Government to protect civilians. 
c) Government to address threats by armed insurgents.

Page 5, RECOMMENDATIONS, K. Abduction of women and children, whether by violence, kidnapping or trafficking
a) Enforcement of rule of law to prevent abduction and trafficking.
b) Trial of culprits, including traffickers, and severe punishment.

Women, girls and gender

Participation: Participation→Effective participation
Page 1, Preamble, eighty four (84) chiefs, elders, women and youth representing all eleven counties and all six communities of Jonglei State met in the Jonglei State Communities Conference in Bor from 1st - 5th May 2012.
Equality: No specific mention.
Particular groups of women: No specific mention.
International law: No specific mention.
New institutions: No specific mention.
Violence against women: Violence against women→Protection (general)
Page 2, Problem Statement,
3. Killing of vulnerable persons (including children, women, elderly, disabled)
The scale of fighting has escalated, with the killing and mutilation of women, children, elderly and disabled. This is different to traditional conflicts.

Page 2, Problem Statement,
4. Abduction of women and children, whether by violence, kidnapping or trafficking
Abduction of women and children is a major problem. In some cases they are kidnapped rather than abducted violently, and sometimes they are trafficked.

Page 3, RESOLUTIONS, B. Insecurity caused by conflict between communities
... b) Combat woman and child abduction and trafficking.

Page 4, RESOLUTIONS, C. Killing of vulnerable persons (including women, children, elderly, disabled)
a) Stop wanton killing. 
b) Waive compensation for those killed in the past.
c) Compensation to be paid for those killed since the beginning of the current disarmament campaign, as a deterrent.

Page 5, RECOMMENDATIONS, J. Killing of vulnerable persons (including women, children, elderly, disabled)
a) Arrest and trial of culprits.
 b) Government to protect civilians. 
c) Government to address threats by armed insurgents.

Page 5, RECOMMENDATIONS, K. Abduction of women and children, whether by violence, kidnapping or trafficking
a) Enforcement of rule of law to prevent abduction and trafficking.
b) Trial of culprits, including traffickers, and severe punishment.
Transitional justice: Transitional justice→Past and gender
Page 4, RESOLUTIONS, D. Abduction of women and children, whether by violence, kidnapping or trafficking
a) Tracing and identification of abductees.
 b) Immediate return of abductees where possible. 
c) Regularisation of status by negotiation for those who cannot be returned.
d) Registration of births, marriages and deaths.

Page 4, RESOLUTIONS, E. Theft of livestock
... c) Chiefs to control thieves, raiders and abductors. Bride price to be discussed in each community.
Institutional reform: No specific mention.
Development: No specific mention.
Implementation: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN

THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE FOR COMMUNITY PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND TOLERANCE IN JONGLEI STATE

JONGLEI STATE COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE FOR PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND TOLERANCE

held in Bor, 1st - 5th May 2012

CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PREAMBLE

We, the eighty four (84) chiefs, elders, women and youth representing all eleven counties and all six communities of Jonglei State met in the Jonglei State Communities Conference in Bor from 1st - 5th May 2012.

Prior to this members of the Presidential Committee held consultations and mini-conferences in the four former districts of Akobo, Bor, Fangak and Pibor.

The Conference was also attended by His Excellency Governor Kuol Manyang Juuk;

national and state ministers;

members of the national and state legislative assemblies;

chairpersons of national commissions;

County Commissioners;

religious leaders;

intellectuals;

UNMISS;

international observers and experts;

and was organised by the Presidential Committee for Peace, Reconciliation and Tolerance in Jonglei State.

Taking note of the insecurity along our border with the Republic of Sudan, the Conference expresses its concern at the aggressive behaviour of the government of Sudan, continuing bombardment of innocent civilians, and its support for rebel militias in the Republic of South Sudan.

The Conference expressed its concern and alarm at the worsening conflict and insecurity amongst the communities in Jonglei State, and affirmed its desire and commitment for peace, reconciliation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The Conference appreciates the initiative of His Excellency the President of the Republic in setting up the Committee for Peace, Reconciliation and Tolerance in Jonglei State.

The Conference welcomes the decision of the national government to disarm civilians throughout the country and particularly in Jonglei State, and pledges its support for comprehensive disarmament.

The Conference appreciates the positive role of the Sudan People's Liberation Army for the increased security and protection and for its responsible conduct during the disarmament campaign.

The Conference appreciates the willingness of all the communities and their leaders to tell and hear the consequences of the conflict.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

The Conference identified the following problems which need to be addressed to bring a sustainable peace:

Aggression by Republic of Sudan against Republic of South Sudan

This was identified as a major problem for peace, stability and development in South Sudan.

Insecurity caused by conflict between communities

Serious conflict has taken place between various communities, and has escalated recently.

Of particular concern are attacks by criminals on other communities.

Killing of vulnerable persons (including children, women, elderly, disabled)

The scale of fighting has escalated, with the killing and mutilation of women, children, elderly and disabled.

This is different to traditional conflicts.

Abduction of women and children, whether by violence, kidnapping or trafficking

Abduction of women and children is a major problem.

In some cases they are kidnapped rather than abducted violently, and sometimes they are trafficked.

Theft of livestock

Theft and looting of livestock is a major source of conflict between communities.

Under-development

Lack of basic services, such as schools, medical facilities, roads, water points for humans and livestock, telecommunications, has been identified by all communities as a factor in causing conflict.

Unemployment

Alternative livelihoods for youth are needed so that they can be encouraged to refrain from cattle raiding and fighting.

Trauma

Individuals and communities have been traumatised by decades of civil war as well as the inter-communal conflicts.

9. Food insecurity

Food insecurity is both a cause and a result of the conflicts.

10.Internal displacement

Internal displacement is also both a cause and result of the conflicts.

11.Border disputes

There are a number of disputes between communities over borders and also water and grazing rights which contribute to conflict.

12.Government and administration issues

While not within the mandate of this Conference to address these issues directly, various issues relating to government and administration have been identified by the communities and are noted here for the responsible authorities to consider.

13.Other issues

a) b) c)

d) e)

Some issues have been identified which do not fit into any of the above categories.

RESOLUTIONS

In order to address these problems, the Conference makes the following Resolutions:

A. Aggression by the Republic of Sudan against the Republic of South Sudan

The Conference condemns the barbaric aggression against the Republic of South Sudan by the Republic of Sudan, supports the President, government and SPLA in resisting this aggression, and affirms that the people of Jonglei State stand ready to fulfil their patriotic duty in the defence of the nation.

B. Insecurity caused by conflict between communities

Sensitisation to create awareness amongst the rural communities of Jonglei state.

Combat woman and child abduction and trafficking.

Promotion of intra/inter-community interactions, sports, workshops, conferences, marriage, follow-up teams, etc.

Meetings between cattle camp youth.

Murle to distance themselves from David Yau Yau rebel forces.

C. Killing of vulnerable persons (including women, children, elderly, disabled)

a) b) c)

a) b) c) d)

a) b) c)

a) b)

Stop wanton killing.

Waive compensation for those killed in the past.

Compensation to be paid for those killed since the beginning of the current disarmament campaign, as a deterrent.

D. Abduction of women and children, whether by violence, kidnapping or trafficking

Tracing and identification of abductees.

Immediate return of abductees where possible.

Regularisation of status by negotiation for those who cannot be returned.

Registration of births, marriages and deaths.

E. Theft of livestock

Community policing.

Amnesty for livestock stolen in the past.

Chiefs to control thieves, raiders and abductors.

Bride price to be discussed in each community.

F. Trauma

Sports activities.

Social transformation of youth through moral and religious orientation.

Encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation at every level, including political parties, civil society, faith communities, etc.

G. Border disputes

Grazing and water rights need to be negotiated by joint committees of chiefs.

H. Other issues

Lou Nuer to continue distancing themselves from the prophet.

Other communities should deal appropriately with their kujurs.

Enlightenment of the people so that they do not follow those (such as David Yau Yau) who rebel against the government.

RECOMMENDA TIONS

a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j)

a) b) c)

a) b)

a) b) c) d) e)

The Conference also makes the following Recommendations:

I. Insecurity caused by conflict between communities

Enforcement of law and order.

Effective buffer zones.

Aerial surveillance.

Roads and communications.

Enact laws regulating the ownership of firearms and close illegal sources of firearms.

Implementation of Bentiu Accord (armed chiefs' guards).

Recruit youth leaders into organised forces.

Address the issue of criminals already in other communities' territory.

Alcohol production, sale and consumption must be regulated.

SPLA should continue with comprehensive disarmament.

J. Killing of vulnerable persons (including women, children, elderly, disabled)

Arrest and trial of culprits.

Government to protect civilians.

Government to address threats by armed insurgents.

K. Abduction of women and children, whether by violence, kidnapping or trafficking

Enforcement of rule of law to prevent abduction and trafficking.

Trial of culprits, including traffickers, and severe punishment.

L. Theft of livestock

Creation of an anti-stock theft unit.

Deployment of police.

Regulation of movement of livestock at borders between payams, counties and states.

Enhancing equipment of security forces.

Aerial surveillance.

f) Recovery and return of stolen livestock.

g) Arrest and trial of culprits.

M. Under-development

a) Equitable sharing of resources.

b) Schools and health centres.

c) Roads.

d) Telecommunications.

e) Strengthening local administration.

f) Health centres.

g) Water points for humans and animals.

N. Unemployment

a) Create employment opportunities.

b) Reformatory/rehabilitation schools.

c) Absorb youth into organised forces (prisons, wildlife, etc).

d) Equitable employment.

e) Exploitation of natural resources.

f) Farming.

g) Income-generating activities.

h) V ocational training

O. Trauma

a) Individual and community counselling.

b) Creation of conducive living conditions.

c) Address special needs, including disability.

d) Use of mass media.

P. Food insecurity

a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j)

a) b) c)

a) b)

a) b) c) d) e) f) g)

Provide security so people can produce food.

Veterinary drugs.

Dissemination of weather early warning reports.

Resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Road infrastructure.

Food support to vulnerable groups.

Provision of tools, improved seeds and agricultural training.

Microfinance schemes.

Cooperatives.

Managing floods and other natural disasters.

R. Internal displacement

Relief, resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs.

Provision of security.

Provision of orphanages.

S. Border disputes

State to regulate and expedite border demarcation between payams, counties and states.

Security to be provided to facilitate movement and trade across the international border with Ethiopia.

T. Government and administration issues

Empowerment of traditional leadership.

Government to treat all communities equally.

Governor should visit all communities regularly.

Creation of new counties and states to be discussed.

Location of state capital to central area should be discussed.

Location of some county HQs to be discussed.

Provision of prisons in the counties.

h) i) j)

a) b) c) d) e)

Provision of judges and public prosecutors;

construction of courts in the counties.

Upgrading of unqualified civil servants through capacity-building.

Payment of salaries to chiefs.

U. Other issues

Demining.

Akobo River to be dredged.

Land issues of the Anyuak community in Akobo.

Monitoring Committee to follow up implementation of commitments and related issues.

Government at national and state level to commit financial and material resources to implement the recommendations made in the Conference.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Conference recognises that there have been many peace conferences in Jonglei State in the past and that many of their resolutions and recommendations are similar to the Resolutions and Recommendations of this Conference, but have not been implemented.

We, the participants in this Conference, commit ourselves to implement the Resolutions of the Conference, and urge the appropriate authorities, the political leadership and the citizens to take seriously the Recommendations.

The Conference has prepared a Plan of Action (attached as an appendix) which identifies who is responsible for implementing each of the Resolutions and Recommendations, and the time frame for implementation.

FOLLOW UP

The Conference believes that peace is a process and that for the fruits of this conference to be fully enjoyed by the people of Jonglei State, there must be monitoring and follow-up implementation.

Hence the Conference humbly requests His Excellency the President to consider how this follow-up can best be achieved.

CONCLUSION

We, the participants in the Conference, representing the six communities of Jonglei State:

Commit ourselves to peace, reconciliation and tolerance amongst our communities.

Commit ourselves to these Resolutions.

Appeal to our national and state governments to assist and to ensure that they are implemented.

[Agreement contains Plan of Action in annexes]