Nine abductees reunited with their families in Jonglei

BOR – At least nine abductees, including seven children and two women, have been reunited with their families in Jonglei State in what authorities described as a breakthrough in ongoing peace efforts between Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).

Jonglei State Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Williams Kuol Chuol, welcomed the reunification, saying it reflects growing commitment from both sides to end years of inter-communal violence and restore trust between the two communities.

The handover took place on Monday during a joint peace conference convened by the leaders of GPAA and Jonglei State, where abducted civilians were exchanged as part of broader reconciliation initiatives.

According to Minister Kuol, the latest handover involved victims who were rescued through recent security operations and community-driven reconciliation efforts.

Kuol said the development marks a positive step in ongoing dialogues aimed at addressing the deep-rooted causes of conflict, including cattle raiding, child abduction, and resource-related clashes. Speaking to Sudans Post on Thursday, he said the reunion demonstrates renewed political will and community leadership to break decades of revenge attacks and mistrust.

“The handing over of abductees is not just an act of goodwill—it is a powerful message that both sides are ready to prioritize peace over conflict,” he said.

The minister emphasized that Jonglei State and GPAA share long-standing cultural ties despite being separated by administrative boundaries.

“Jonglei State and the now GPAA were one state before the creation of the administrative areas. We want to have peace among ourselves as one people. It is only the administration that is different, but we are still one,” he added.

He urged both governments and community leaders to sustain the momentum by strengthening early warning systems, reinforcing border security, and ensuring conflicts are resolved through dialogue. Kuol also expressed concern over the widespread possession of firearms among civilians, which he said continues to threaten stability.

“The arms in civilians’ hands are the ones threatening peace in Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. For peace to prevail, there is a need for the government to look into the issue of weapons held by civilians,” he stressed.

Civil society groups have also welcomed the development, calling for continued support to help reintegrate the recovered abductees. They urged both sides to remain committed to reconciliation and humanitarian assistance.

The successful reunification comes amid sustained peace efforts between Jonglei State and GPAA, offering renewed hope for lasting stability in a region long marred by inter-communal tensions.