Chuil Payam, Nyirol County, South Sudan
28 October 2026
A community engagement meeting in Chuil Payam brought together 87 participants, including 40 women, to address revenge killings, wildlife protection, Family wealth ownershi, women’s participation and livelihood needs. Chiefs, youth, women, county and payam authorities, and NGO representatives participated. Fifteen subclans were actively represented through their chiefs, women and youth leaders. The meeting focused on practical next steps and concluded with celebrations.
Discussions prioritized the incident of 12 August 2026, which resulted in the death of a young person amid conflict between two clans engaged in recurring revenge attacks since 2012. Participants also examined unresolved grievances dating back approximately fifty years. Communities agreed to use blood compensation to address outstanding cases, repair relationships and prevent further loss of life, with pending settlements to be completed before the end of November 2026.
Youth acknowledged their involvement in recurring conflicts and committed to resolving differences through dialogue, working through local and traditional leadership structures. They emphasized that responsibility for escalating tensions extends beyond young people and called on elders and women to avoid statements or actions that encourage retaliation.
Participants raised concerns about the recent killing of an elephant and a Nubian giraffe in and around Mat village in the Sobat Corridor. They called for the arrest of those responsible and the recovery of the elephant tusks. The proposed placement of recovered tusks under traditional chiefs’ custody reflected participants’ strong confidence in customary leadership. Chiefs and community representatives also warned against bush burning and pledged to strengthen wildlife protection.
Women called for recognition of their interests in family wealth, particularly land and cattle, and meaningful participation in family and community decisions. Chiefs and local authorities acknowledged these concerns and committed to opening community discussions to women, including those without formal leadership positions.
Key resolutions and follow-up actions
Continue peace dialogues: Address recent and historical grievances that sustain revenge attacks.
Complete agreed blood compensation plans: Resolve outstanding blood compensation cases before the end of November 2026 to restore relationships, save lives and create conditions for development.
Strengthen wildlife protection: Hold those responsible for killing elephants and Nubian giraffes accountable and discourage destructive bush burning.
Support livelihoods and resilience: Seek programmes that help communities use available farmland and the Sobat River for seasonal farming.
Establish community peace committees: Form committees (15 incluidng 7 women) within one week to work closely with the Agency for Conservation and Development (ACD) and Community Wildlife Ambassadors (CWAs), holding monthly conflict-resolution discussions.
Expand community outreach: Request ACD to convene another dialogue in November targeting 200 community members. Peace committees and chiefs will also organize a public rally intended to reach 10,000 people across the Chuil area.
The meeting ended with celebrations, reflecting participants’ commitment to reconciliation, stronger community relationships and the protection of shared natural resources. Sustained follow-up will be essential to translate these commitments into action.
This activity was made possible through the support of the Elephant Crisis Fund, an initiative of Wildlife Conservation Network and Save the Elephants.