Mvolo County in Western Equatoria State has in the past been affected negatively by communal clashes with groups in the neighbouring counties of Lakes. The conflicts in Mvolo were caused and triggered by the movement of cattle from Yirol in Lakes State to agricultural land in the Mvolo area, due to shortage of water and grazing land during dry season. This cattle movement led to the destruction of crops and looting of settlements. Areas severely impacted by the conflicts include; Bahr-Grindi/Bahr El Girin, Lesi, Bahr Grindi, Dari and Kokori.
Salaam Junub conducted a creative activity dubbed “Take Tea Together” on 20th/December/2021 in Mvolo town drawing together Chiefs, elders, youth and women to dialogue on topics related to peace and reconciliation in the county with support from UNDP and her partner Korea International Cooperation Agency.
The TTT dialogue forum was started by a word of prayer, followed by an introduction of the members and reading of the agenda of the day, thereafter was a general briefing about the organization and the Project by the Project Manager. The event was then officially opened by Mr. John Abdallah, the County Executive Director of Mvolo who represented the county commissioner. In his opening remarks, the administrator thanked Salaam Junub for introducing the TTT initiative in Mvolo and pledged to support its activities. The director said that more of such initiatives are required between the communities of Mvolo and Mapourdit in Yirol to promote reconciliation and social cohesion with neighbours.
Alfred Moluk, Chairperson of Mvolo County Youth Union “I thank Salaam Junub for coming to Mvolo County with these great activities of peace. We need more of these activities to transform the youth from the violent style of living to that of peace.”
Mr. John Machar, Payam Administrator of Mvolo Payam “What Salaam Junub is bringing through what they simply call tea is a big thing that will help our communities if we continue to be consistent. Let us use this TTT forum to openly discuss issues affecting our community and find a peaceful settlement to those issues. The TTT film is so educative and I urge the youth to learn from it and stop all forms of violence and hatred in the county. I also encourage women to actively be involved in these discussions because they are part of the suffering brought about by these conflicts”
Isaac Bari “The TTT discussion and the film screening have made me to learn how to resolve conflicts and how I can have inner peace to be able to forgive those who have wronged me. I am going to be an ambassador of TTT and peace. I also recommend that Salaam Junub should introduce programs that address issues of GBV and trauma which are rampant in our community.”
David Machar “Mvolo has been badly affected by cattle raiding, tribalism, poverty, unemployment, poverty and forced marriage which TTT should take into consideration in the next meetings.”
Abraham Maburuk, representing Elders of Mvolo highlighted the importance of coming together in the name of tea “This TTT is going to bring unity and love in Mvolo if it continues. Today as we sit here, I would like everyone to forgive one another and open a new page of peace, unity and love.”
Peter July “The TTT film has taught us that dialogue is the only means to resolve differences. We have also learned about the power of unity in the community.”
Nadia Abraham, Women Representative “Many NGOs do come and leave without resolving the real issues. I hope that Salaam Junub will learn from their challenges and work hard to change the narrative of Mvolo from violence to peace and from poverty to prosperity.”
Dominic John “Salaam Junub should initiate a TTT that brings youth of Mapourdit in Yirol and Mvolo to dialogue and strengthen their relationships as neighbors.”