Youth-led dialogue restores peace between Torit rival communities

TORIT – A community dialogue held in Bur Payam, Torit County, has helped reconcile the rival communities of Mutaraf and Osito after months of violent clashes, cattle raids, and arson attacks that left several people injured and displaced.

The one-day dialogue, facilitated by the Support Peace Initiative and Development Organization (SPIDO) with backing from development partners, brought together local leaders, youth representatives, and peace actors to address the root causes of the conflict.

Peter Ogugu Andriko, the sub-chief of Mutaraf, told Sudan Post on Monday that the meeting succeeded in restoring understanding between the two communities.

“The problem here was mainly among young people. They fought among themselves and were also involved in cattle theft. Houses were burned, and people lost property. But we have now resolved the matter, and many of them have accepted peace,” Andriko said.

He noted that the conflict, which erupted in August 2025, had disrupted lives and caused widespread fear. “Now peace has come,” he added with optimism.

Felix Ewot, SPIDO’s Peace Building Officer in Eastern Equatoria State, said the dialogue aimed to promote reconciliation and address gender-related issues that often arise from community tensions.

“The communities have realised that issues like cattle theft and sexual violence usually trigger further fighting. The peace committee in Bur Payam reported the problem, and we intervened through dialogue to prevent further escalation,” Ewot explained.

He emphasised that peacebuilding is an ongoing process that requires continuous engagement and collaboration between communities.

“The dialogue is a process. We are working with local committees to ensure such conflicts are resolved peacefully. The two communities have already drafted resolutions, and we expect a positive change,” he added.

The dialogue is part of a broader initiative to strengthen social cohesion and community-driven conflict resolution across Eastern Equatoria State, where localized violence has frequently disrupted livelihoods and social harmony.