TORIT – Residents of Torit County, Eastern Equatoria State, convened a peace dialogue on Wednesday. The community-led event aimed to address local conflicts. It also sought to reinforce social cohesion amid increasing rebel attacks.
The initiative aimed to foster unity and enhance community resilience. Creating a stable environment conducive to development was another goal.
Community Peace Dialogue
Support Peace Initiative Development (SPIDO) organized the symposium with funding from partners. The event brought together community leaders and youth representatives. Clergy and local authorities also participated.
Organizers state the dialogue aims to equip communities with dispute resolution skills. They also intend to provide platforms for peaceful resolution.
Statements from Organizers
Wodcan Saviour Lazarus, Executive Director of SPIDO, spoke about the event. He said it aimed to boost constructive conflict resolution.
Lazarus added that they are strengthening local peacebuilding structures. “The dialogue is about peace and development,” Lazarus stated. “We look at issues affecting society in terms of peace and security.”
Lazarus said the community requested security and land demarcation for service access.
Community Perspectives
Youth leader John Sabachio Kolang Solomon highlighted the forum’s importance. He said it provided an opportunity to identify the root causes of tensions.
Solomon added that residents can collectively chart solutions for development. “The main issue is about peace and development,” he said.
He mentioned the need for roads, security, development, and other services.
St. Peter Church’s parish priest, Jacob Odwa, emphasized the dialogue’s necessity. He said it would address local disputes hindering progress in Torit County.
“The primary issue the community faces is conflict,” Odwa stated. “People have called for peace.” He also highlighted peace in Mairo as vital for farmers and development.
Government Support
Emmanuel Justin, a Member of Parliament, reaffirmed the government’s commitment. He pledged to work with communities to restore peace and stability.
“We are here holding a dialogue in the Mairo area,” he stated. “The community wants peace; they are farmers and seriously need security.” Justin added that the community requested peace for development.
Escalating Insurgency
The peace dialogue occurred amidst a growing insurgency in Eastern Equatoria. The state was recently considered one of South Sudan’s more stable regions.
Escalating attacks by factions of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the National Salvation Front (NAS) have occurred over recent months.
Recent Attacks and UNMISS Withdrawal
In September, SPLA-IO gunmen attacked the National Security Service office in Kapoeta South County. Five officers were critically injured, and the attack spread to a nearby SSPDF barracks.
The withdrawal of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) from Torit in October further strained the situation. Global funding constraints caused the withdrawal.
Tensions peaked on November 18, 2025, during a joint SPLA-IO and NAS attack. They targeted the Torit Military Hospital and surrounding areas.
A police captain, also the Deputy Inspector of Police, died. Governor Louis Lobong condemned the attack as a declaration of war against the state and its citizens.
Community Resilience
With rising rebel activity and the absence of UN peacekeepers, community members emphasize the critical importance of dialogues. They aim to prevent escalation of local disputes.
These dialogues also aim to strengthen collective resilience as Eastern Equatoria faces increasing security pressures.
