CONTACT: Deborah Hakes 1 404 420-5124 or dhakes@emory.edu
"When we see the faces of the joint Dialogue Group we see peace coming to us."
-Mr. Awet Kiir Awet, Aweil East County Commissioner, Northern Bahr el-Ghazal
The Sudan-South Sudan Dialogue Group visited the Tamazuj area in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State from November 7-9, 2013. The objective of the visit was to advance people-to-people dialogue and specifically to learn from the experiences of the Dinka Malual and their interactions with neighboring Misseriya and Rizeigat tribes.
During this mission, we were hosted by Governor Paul Malong Awan and received by the Council of Ministers. Our richest interactions included representatives from intercommunal Peace Committees, Chambers of Commerce, and traditional leaders. Warawar Peace Market and Majok Yinth Thiou serve as commendable examples of peaceful trade and coexistence, based on a mutual respect for each other as neighbors. As said by the Chamber of Commerce representatives, "We have tried war and gained nothing; now we must try peace."
Many lessons can be learned and applied throughout the Tamazuj region, particularly as it pertains to freedom of movement. It is clear from the people with whom we interacted that infrastructural development is critical to economic progress, peace, and stability. We were impressed by the generous hospitality extended to us by the State Government and the people of Northern Bahr el-Ghazal, and we will forever remember the countless faces of children singing for peace and prosperity.
The Dialogue Group is a collaborative initiative between the Ebony Center for Strategic Studies in Juba and the Future Studies Center in Khartoum. General Lazaro Sumbeiywo and Ambassador David Kapya serve as co-conveners, facilitated by The Carter Center. The work is generously supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba and Humanity United. We also extend our gratitude to VISTAS and USAID for their expertise and support throughout this border visit.
As shown by the outcome of the recent presidential summit between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and President Omar al-Bashir, the bordering states are not only the frontlines for war but the essential ingredients for peace. We stand ready to support the joint presidential proposal to reconvene the Governors Forum along the border, as the Tamazuj area is central to realizing two viable states at peace between and within themselves.
"Direct people-to-people exchange will strengthen cooperation and bring lasting peace between and within the two Sudans."
-General Lazaro Sumbeiywo, Chief Mediator of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement
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