Warrap State Governor, Bona Panek Biar has embarked on a reconciliation initiative in a bid to curb recurring inter-communal fights that have hampered basic and humanitarian service delivery to affected vulnerable groups in the state.

The event that brought together paramount and local chiefs, youth and elderly people aimed at uniting polarized communities, end hostilities and ensure peace implementation to enable thousands affected people access social services and humanitarian assistance.

Addressing the participants on Monday last week, Panek appealed to his people to forgive each other and cooperate with local authorities to enable the government solicit humanitarian assistance delivery to the people in need.

 “Put aside your differences, reconcile, and live together, this can help me to lobby for humanitarian assistance. I have already made an effort so far, and once I return from Juba, such services as medicines, food, and scholastic items will reach you. So, live in peace and accept each other,” Panek said.

Conflicts in many parts of Warrap State have resulted into destructions of social systems and claimed lives of many people in the past few years due to cattle raiding and revenge killings, leaving many in dire need of aid.

This year, the government launched unsuccessful disarmament exercise in Tonj in a bid to curb the conflicts; it ended with deadly clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and civilians, claiming over 80 lives.

Panek however, said his government would not condone any act of looting and cattle raiding in the state, thanking the people of Tonj North for accepting to live together and cease hostility.

Chief Ayii Agiu Kuot, representing area of Kongor commended governor’s initiative pointing out that the level of conflicts in the last few months have been drastically halted and security situation was relatively calm since the appointment of Panek in June this year.

“We are happy for the step the Governor has taken to stop fighting in Tonj North and other parts of Warrap. I want to assure the Governor of my people’s willingness to surrender all arms to the government any time they start the disarmament exercise,” Agiu said.