From Dialogue to Action: a journey on foot to cement the footprints of the peace between Pakam and Luanyjang.

Last year marked a turning point for the communities of Pakam of Lakes State (Rumbek North) and Luanyjang in Warrap State (Tonj East). After years of conflict rooted in cattle raiding, revenge killings, competition over resources, and land disputes, representatives from both sides including neighbouring communities who are part of the conflict system came together in cross-border dialogue in Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State. It was the first time these two communities sat together for a dialogue— the dialogue was preceded by series of pre-dialogues which laid the groundwork for honest and open conversation.

This dialogue set resolutions designed to address the causes of the conflict -—outlining clear roles and responsibilities for the communities, government authorities, and supporting partners.

Dissemination Campaign in 2025: Navigating the Tur (swampy area) terrains on foot.

In February this year, a follow-up dissemination activity was launched to spread the spirit and content of the dialogue resolutions to the wider community and promote exchange—with the Akut De Door (Gelweng youth peace committees) at the heart of this effort.

What began as a targeted engagement, mainly with the Akut De Door from Pakam and Luanyjang, quickly evolved. During a stop in Makuach, Warrap State, the community members voiced a clear message: for the sustainability of this peace and for the effectiveness of the Akut De Door’s work, the wider community must be part of this conversation and must know the content of this peace. Chiefs who had travelled from Rumbek were asked to speak directly to the community — hence, expanding the engagement of the Akut De Door into a broader community conversation.

The delegation (chiefs, Akut de Door, and some government officials) abandoned their original travel route (Makuach-Tonj-Rumbek Centre- Rumbek North/Maper) and instead chose to walk—yes, walk from Makuach—through the Tur (swampy terrain) to reach Rumbek North (Maper); a journey which is considered risky not only because of the natural terrain but also the insecurity. Along the way, they made some stops at cattle camps, sharing resolutions and peace messages directly to the communities and the cattle camp youth from both sides. That was also symbolic in emphasising the resolution on free movement of people from both sides.

Signs of Progress

Progress is already visible. One notable breakthrough is the Lakes State Governor’s directive on Administrative Neutrality, which prohibits the naming of disputed territories—a move that is seen to have helped reduce tensions and fostered trust between the communities. Additionally, the yearly circle of large-scale conflict between the Pakam and Launyjang every January seems to have been broken this year, at least for now.

The communities also seem to have begun thinking beyond dialogue. While they’ve requested support for infrastructure, communication systems, and trust-building activities, they’ve also pledged their own contributions if external support falls short. For instance, they said, should the government not be able to open the road from Makuach to Maper, they are ready to contribute cows (Luanyjang 70, Pakam 60) that can be sold to support facilitate the road clearance. This sense of ownership and initiative shows a deeper commitment of the communities

This journey—from dissemination activity to a dialogue, from planning to spontaneous community action—proves that peace is not a one-time event, but a collective journey. And sometimes, that journey must be taken on foot, together, one step at a time just like the two communities demonstrated. Peace, after all, isn’t just declared—it’s walked.