NGOK AND TWIC ARE NOT ENEMIES TO FIGHT EACH OTHER By Majook Mawien Madut

01:10 PM April, 02 2023

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NGOK AND TWIC ARE NOT ENEMIES TO FIGHT EACH OTHER

By Majook Mawien Madut

Juba, South Sudan

When the conflict broke out in February 2022
between Ngok and Twic Mayardit over ownership of Aneet with each of them claiming to be its territorial land, it got many South Sudanese into a stew given the two communities had been living their borders peacefully with absolute integrity and respect.

However, inspite of the conflict, what is significant though is the fact that both Ngok and Twic Mayardit are not just neighbors but relatives. They are related by virtue of marriages in which they have become nephews, in-laws, uncles and friends. As English proverb goes, "blood is thicker than water," I hope that, with this strong bond, they will care to resolve their differences amicably and live as relatives. Their cooperation and coexistence is important.

Like when Murahleen used to attack their borders, both Ngok and Twic could fight side by side to defend their lands from enemy without each of them thinking it is one's own problem. This shows that they are each other's pillar and cannot afford to lose their ties. They should support more unity and less division for their development.

The conflict has caused a lot of challenges. As a result, children have been deprived of education. Several lives were lost. The elderly and women have been displaced. Properties were looted and others destroyed.

Aneet was a home to many South Sudanese. Those who were working with NGOs and those who were operating their personal businesses. After the eruption of conflict, they all fled and left their jobs. As such, they were affected with their families economically.

In this regard, conflict is nothing but destruction and poverty. I urge both Ngok and Twic Mayardit to put away their guns and seek dialogue. Let the farmers return to their respective places and cultivate in a peaceful and conflict free environment. Stop the killing of innocent people.

When Apuk and Aguok had similar confrontations between them in the past years. They know how much it cost them in terms of human lives and properties from both sides. After peace was finally achieved with the help of government which ordered for comprehensive disarmament under state of emergency, Apuk and Aguok did not smile in triumphant. They both found themselves losers.

I expect you not to repeat the same scenario of Apuk and Aguok communities which you were all witness to it. Do not kill yourselves for your own loss. There is no gain in fighting between the two relatives. You need each other. If you care, save the remaining lives by solving your differences through peaceful means. Let peace and diversity exist!

As I conclude, our country has been restless for years due to vicious cycles of inter-communal conflicts, tribalism, greed and power struggles which have continued to hold it back from rising to her full potential and development its people deserve. As a nation, let us collectively work together to prevent conflicts and promote peace among our communities. It is the only thing that will make us a strong and united society. May God bless you all!

The writer is a student of Public Administration, University of Juba and can be reached via 0922577441 or email: [email protected]