(NIMULE, EASTERN EQUATORIA) – Soldiers stationed in civilian homes across Nimule will be moved out under a new agreement reached between the army and local communities, following a three day dialogue that ended Thursday with a public apology from the armed forces for past abuses.
The civil military forum, the first of its kind in the area, brought together army commanders, local authorities, religious leaders and residents. It was organised by the national and state ministries of peacebuilding, with support from the United Nations Development Programme and Nonviolent Peaceforce.
The agreement sets out a clear plan to rebuild trust and enforce the rule of law. The key demand from civilians was the immediate removal of soldiers from private homes. The army also agreed to end arbitrary arrests, tighten military discipline and make sure complaints from the public are dealt with quickly.
Delegates called for the dismantling of illegal checkpoints along the highway. They also demanded an end to irregular cash collections by men in uniform and the creation of a monitoring body to make sure the new rules are followed.
The accord goes beyond security matters. It commits both sides to reject tribalism, hate speech and propaganda. It also pushes for reconciliation and healing across communities. The peacebuilding ministry, together with religious leaders and development partners, will lead new efforts to heal old wounds and provide human rights training for the organised forces.
The government has also agreed to start civic education campaigns about the coming elections and to support the voluntary return of South Sudanese refugees, especially members of the Madi community living in neighbouring countries.
SSPDF Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Moral Orientation and Chaplaincy, Lieutenant General Ashhab Khamis Fahal, told both soldiers and civilians to protect the new relationship. He thanked partners for backing efforts to improve civil military ties.
Nimule Municipal Council Mayor Caesar Longa Fuli said the dialogue had broken barriers and healed old wounds. He said the government is fully committed to carrying out every resolution.
UNDP Representative Margret Athansio Lado promised continued support for projects that bridge the gap between civilians and security forces and guarantee the rule of law.