A Call for Constructive Dialogue and Community Responsibility in Warrap

WARRAP, South Sudan — January 2, 2026.
The recent tragic events in Twic County, in which two people lost their lives during an inter‑clan confrontation, have reignited longstanding concerns about how communities in South Sudan manage disputes over land, identity, and tradition. Yet, while the incident highlights persistent tensions, it also underscores a broader, often overlooked truth: peaceful alternatives exist, and communities across the country have successfully used them to resolve conflicts without bloodshed.

Rather than viewing the clashes as proof of societal breakdown or waning loyalty to the nation, the episode in Aweng Payam should prompt a deeper reflection on the structures that do—and do not—support local coexistence.

A Pattern of Avoidable Conflict

Clashes over land boundaries remain common in several regions of South Sudan. In many instances, disputes escalate rapidly due to unclear demarcation, the prevalence of firearms, and the absence of coordinated mediation frameworks at the village level. The deaths in Maper village represent not only personal tragedies but also a symptom of these systemic challenges.

However, interpreting such incidents as a sign that citizens lack loyalty to their nation oversimplifies the deeper issues at play. The problem is not a crisis of national identity; it is a crisis of weak institutions, inadequate conflict‑resolution mechanisms, and unresolved historical grievances.

These shortcomings place enormous pressure on communities who often rely on local customs, sometimes without the complementary support of formal governance structures.

The Path Forward: Communities Have Proven Peace Is Possible

Across South Sudan, multiple counties have already demonstrated that peaceful settlement of land disputes is achievable when approached through inclusive dialogue and clearly defined processes. Experiences from Wau, Bor, Yambio, Torit, Nimule, and Yei show that collaboration between traditional leaders, youth representatives, women’s groups, and local authorities can transform potential flashpoints into opportunities for unity.

In these locations, mediated dialogues, community mapping exercises, customary law validation workshops, and legal‑aid interventions have helped resolve boundary disputes and restore relationships without any resort to violence. These successes prove that conflict is not inevitable—it is preventable when communities are equipped with trusted, accessible mechanisms for justice and negotiation.

Such examples offer a constructive contrast to the narrative of Maper village. They illustrate how local leadership, when guided by patience and accountability, can de‑escalate tensions and promote coexistence.

Rebuilding Confidence in Institutions

While local mediation plays a vital role, sustainable peace requires stronger partnerships between state authorities and community structures. The deployment of joint security forces following the Twic County clashes demonstrates the government’s responsibility to protect civilians and prevent escalation. But equally important is ensuring that justice is administered transparently, that unlawful actions—whether by civilians or officers—are investigated, and that traditional authorities are held accountable when they incite or inflame disputes.

Citizens are more likely to trust national institutions when they see fairness, consistency, and professionalism in the enforcement of law.

Loyalty to the state grows not through coercion, but through confidence.

Youth Must Be Part of the Solution, Not the Battlefield

The recurring involvement of youth in inter‑clan disputes reflects both social pressures and the absence of constructive opportunities for engagement. But this trend should not lead to the assumption that young people do not understand the consequences of conflict. Rather, they are often caught in environments where retaliation is normalized and peaceful alternatives are underdeveloped.

In the counties where land conflicts have been resolved amicably, youth were included in peace committees, dialogue forums, and community negotiations. Their participation helped reduce misinformation, prevent mobilization for violence, and build a shared sense of responsibility for the future.

Empowering youth as peacebuilders is not only possible—it has already been proven effective.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

The events in Aweng Payam should not overshadow the many quiet successes achieved through peaceful mediation in other parts of South Sudan. Nor should they be interpreted as evidence that citizens lack national loyalty. Instead, they reveal the urgent need to strengthen local dispute‑resolution systems, reinforce institutions of justice, and promote inclusive dialogue at every level of society.

South Sudan’s stability will not be secured by force or fear, but by communities choosing cooperation over confrontation and by leaders—traditional and governmental—acting with integrity and foresight.

The path to peace is known. It has been walked before. What is needed now is the collective will to follow it consistently.