Somaliland Archives - Page 585 of 754

Uganda elections approach amid hostile environment for media

Somaliland February 17, 2016 0

Demonstrations against the government are a routine affair in the Ugandan capital Kampala, and Andrew Lwanga thought it would be just another day at...

Somaliland: Droughts leads to Somaliland people to be a Fishers

Somaliland February 17, 2016 0

Somaliland is one of the unrecognized countries in the world, internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia, however, Somaliland people broke away from...

Wagalla Massacre: Premeditated Act Of Genocide?

Somaliland February 17, 2016 0

This week marks the 32nd anniversary of the the gruesome killing of 5,000 Somalis, most from the Degodia sub-clan. Writer and researcher SALAH ABDI...

Somaliland Refutes Al Shabaab Allegations

Somaliland February 17, 2016 0

Hargeisa, 16 February 2016 - The Somaliland Government wishes to categorically refute the false allegations made in a recent article in Kenyan media that...

Somalia:EU launches 7 million Euros education programme for Puntland

Somaliland Goth Mohamed - February 15, 2016 0

PRESS RELEASE GAROWE, February 15, 2016 The European Union jointly with the Government of Puntland launched the second phase of the Puntland Education Sector Support...

Somaliland:President Silanyo Reshuffles Ministers and appoints new Presidential Spokesman

Somaliland February 14, 2016 0

By Goth Mohamed Goth H.E Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Silanyo on Sunday issued a Presidential directive #JSL / M / XERM / 249-3830 / 02 2...

Somaliland:Haglatosiye accuses Dr. Ali Khalif Galaydh of Orchestrating Ara Wayn Massacre

Somaliland February 14, 2016 0

By Goth Mohamed Goth Somaliland Minister of Health and Labor Dr. Saleban Ahmed Essa “Haglatosiye” has condemned in the strongest terms the recent cold blood...

Somaliland:The Red Crescent Society in Sanaag Region

Somaliland Goth Mohamed - February 13, 2016 0

Dr. Saed Mohamed Warsame Neutrality is very vital for the invaluable tasks and dedications of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. According to the movement...

Somaliland:President constitutes national drought relief committee

Somaliland Goth Mohamed - February 13, 2016 0

By M.A. Egge The President H.E. Ahmed Mohammed Mohamud Silanyo has named a national committee charged with the task of addressing the serious drought issues...

Somaliland:Hashi graces major function to revive Fa’aweyn Academy

Somaliland Goth Mohamed - February 13, 2016 0

The Minister of the Presidency led a high note delegation to participate in a major function of launching the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the...

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APO

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JUBA, South Sudan, June 18, 2025/APO Group/ --

As morning breaks, the vast and open plains of South Sudan’s Lakes state are filled with sounds of cattle and the overwhelming smell of smoke.

It is at this relatively quiet time, that a team from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and state authorities from the Ministry of Peacebuilding set out on a drive.

They aim to meet herders, armed youth, and residents in cattle camps that dot the landscape. Why? To hear their concerns and discuss the possibility of a future without violence.

For generations, cattle have been a symbol of wealth and pride across Lakes. And, in recent years, they have also become a source of deadly conflict. Cattle theft, revenge raids, and competition over water have left a trail of grief in local communities with countless lives lost and properties destroyed.

At one such cattle camp called Buol, 24-year-old herder Makur Magor Bok stands firm at the centre of a gathering. A seasoned cattle keeper despite his age, Makur carries a weapon, not out of malice, he says, but out of necessity. “If I knew my cattle and my family were safe, I would give up my gun today,” he says, gesturing to the automatic rifle slung across his shoulder. “We are not criminals, we are just afraid.”

Makur told Civil Affairs officers from the UN Peacekeeping mission that thieves had stolen one of his rifles, along with phones and solar chargers. Though he knew who was responsible, he made a decision that surprised many in his community. “I could have tracked them and fought with them, retrieved my belongings and avenged myself, but I remembered the peace messages I heard from UNMISS before. You said revenge only brings more killing,” he explained. “So I reported them to the traditional authorities. I want to believe in the law, not in a gun and, hopefully, I won’t be disappointed”

His unprecedented choice—to trust the system instead of fuelling the cycle of violence—sparked a debate among his peers. Some responded with irony, while others said that they had seen enough of their people die over senseless quarrels.

In another nearby cattle camp, Abuok Deng, a 17-year-old girl, shared her fears. “We sleep in fear. On any given night, someone might raid us. I think to myself that maybe this is the night I lose my baby brother; maybe this is the night someone hurts me,” she exhales, with looking out into the distance. “We need safety.”

The team of government peacebuilders and UNMISS peacekeepers listened intently and responded with strong messages on conflict resolution, the power of dialogue, and the importance of community-led peace. “This visit is not about disarming people,” stated Ruby Awude, a Civil Affairs Officer. “It is about creating the kind of peace and safety in communities that makes carrying a gun unnecessary.”

As twilight fell, the team left behind more than just words: they left seeds for lasting peace. Whether these take root depends not only on institutional change but also on the courage of individuals like Makur and Abuok.

Their words reflect the hope that still flickers in Lakes state: that even in a place tormented by cycles of conflict, there are those who choose peace.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).