DT Global: Peacebuilding is Dialogue

Breaking the Cycle of Violence in Jonglei State

For years, the Bor Dinka, Lou Nuer, and Murle ethnic groups of Jonglei State have remained locked in a violent conflict driven by cattle raiding, revenge killings, and child abduction. In early 2020, the state experienced its worst instance of intercommunal violence when Lou Nuer and Bor Dinka youth attacked the Murle in retaliation for recent cattle raiding incidents and abductions, leaving hundreds of people killed and thousands displaced.

To mitigate conflict and to promote peace and reconciliation, USAID-funded Shejeh Salam supported a grassroots peace dialogue implemented by Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund (POF) between March 15th and 25th in Pieri, Uror County, Jonglei State. This peace dialogue brought together 53 delegates including 13 women’s representatives, youth, traditional leaders, faith groups, and traders from Bor Dinka, Lou Nuer and Murle ethnic groups to explore mechanisms for ending persistent cattle raiding, retaliatory killings and abduction of women and children among the three communities.

The Pieri peace dialogue concluded with several resolutions to mitigate conflict and promote development. Among the key resolutions was the immediate return of 60 abductees including 21 from Lou Nuer and 39 from Murle to their families by the end of April, while the search for more abductees continues. Another resolution charged local chiefs with ensuring that perpetrators of violence and cattle raiding are tried through traditional courts, and that stolen cattle are traced and returned to their rightful owners. The delegates identified the building of roads, fishing supplies for cattle camp youth, the establishment of common markets, and support for women’s income generating activities as key enablers of livelihoods and primary means of reducing intercommunal conflict and food insecurity.