Friday, March 28, 2025(Nyamilepedia) — In a mission targeting the Nuer Spiritual Leaders, who double as the leaders of the White Army in their respective areas, the newly appointed governor of Jonglei State, Dr. Riek Gai Kok, dispatched two delegations to Ayod and Uror counties to meet the popular spiritual leaders, Makuach Tut Khor of Gawaar-Nuer and Dak Kueth Deng of Lou-Nuer.
In a meeting with the embattled Makuach Tut, the youngest spiritual leader of the Nuer, in Tuok boma of Pajiek Payam of Ayod County today, the government delegation assured the spiritual leader of peace and called on him to restrain the youth who are feared of mobilizing as the 2018 peace deal deteriorates in Juba and many parts of the country.
According to his men, Makuach had to relocate to Tuok Boma to meet the government delegation to avoid jeopardizing his densely populated headquarters.
The spiritual leader questioned the bombardment of civilians in Nasir and other Nuer areas, and demanded answers which the ten-membered delegation could not provide.
“If there is peace, why are civilians being targated and killed in Nasir, Ulang, Longechuk and Akobo” Makuach asked.
In his response to delegation plead for peace, the spiritual Leader conditionally accepted the peace ultimatum on one condition that the politicians in Juba must implement and observe the peace agreement.
He said as long as there is peace in Juba, there will be peace in the counties and states of South Sudan.
“If there is peace, let’s there be calm in Juba. Let them [the politicians] implement the peace agreement until it’s time for elections. Once the election comes, the citizens will decide on who should lead them.” Said the spirit leader, Makuach Tut.
“If your message is genuine, then let there be peace. If your call for peace is genuine, then I welcome it. Let civilians be free in their respective areas” Makuach reiterated.
In the neighboring Uror county, a similar state government delegation visited the spiritual leader Dak Kueth Deng, also known as Gok Deng, and delivered president Salva Kiir’s message for peace.
The delegation told Dak Kueth that the recent appointment of another Lou-Nuer son, Dr. Riek Gai Kok, as the governor of Jonglei State was an appreciation to the Lou-Nuer for maintaining peace and good neighborhood in the state.
“I greet president Kiir, Bol Mel and Dr. Riek Gai Kok. I want to assure you of peace. We can’t build our country on war. War destroys. ” Dak Kueth said.
“This time around, no body will fight again in Jonglei State. I have welcomed peace. We are tired of war. We won’t fight again” Dak Kueth said.
The two delegations were sent to Ayod and Lou-Nuer to deescalate tension that is expected to rise as South Sudan government continue to strength its grip on the main armed opposition, SPLM/A-IO.
Kiir has arrested his main opponent, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, and his top military and political leaders that include Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop, the SPLM/A-IO Chief of Staff and Hon. Puot Kang Chuol, the Minister of Petroleum, among others.
The house-arrest of Machar has caused many condemnations from the region, African Union and the international community as its violates the peace agreement.
