(MANKIEN, UNITY STATE) – Authorities in Unity State have launched a peace and reconciliation conference in Mayom County to address local insecurity and prepare communities for a planned disarmament exercise under the current State of Emergency.
The two day forum, known as the Ruadhkeey-Mankien Conference, officially opened on Saturday with the participation of state and national government officials, lawmakers, traditional chiefs, women’s representatives, and youth leaders. The event is being held in Mankien, a key location in Mayom County, one of the most volatile regions in Unity State.
Governor Riek Bim Top, who presided over the opening session, used the opportunity to call on armed youth to voluntarily surrender their weapons before the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) enforce the disarmament process by force. His appeal comes amid rising tensions in the county, where sporadic intercommunal violence, cattle raids and revenge attacks have remained persistent.
In June 2025, President Salva Kiir declared a State of Emergency in both Mayom County and Warrap State following a sharp increase in armed violence and lawlessness. As part of the emergency enforcement, the SSPDF issued a 14 day ultimatum to local armed groups and youth militias in both regions to disarm peacefully or face compulsory military intervention.
Governor Bim Top assured cattle owners and local communities that the government will provide security guarantees to protect their animals once the disarmament is complete. Many residents have raised fears that surrendering weapons might leave them vulnerable to cattle theft or attacks from neighbouring areas.
The conference also includes a special focus on the role of spiritual and cultural leaders, who are being encouraged to use their influence to convince young people to cooperate with authorities and hand over arms peacefully.
No financial details or government payouts were disclosed during the opening of the event. However, peace officials have indicated that the long term objective of the initiative is to restore law and order across Mayom County and improve security for civilians and livestock owners.
Mayom County, like many parts of Unity and Warrap states, has faced persistent cycles of violence largely driven by competition over cattle, land and local political rivalry. The current peace and disarmament efforts are part of a broader attempt by the government to reduce the flow of small arms and prevent revenge killings that have destabilised rural communities.
The SSPDF remains deployed in the area and is expected to begin disarmament operations shortly after the conclusion of the peace conference, depending on the outcome of local consultations.
