Speaking at the opening of a three-day peace conference between the two tribes in Aweil, the governor stressed the need for positive talks in reaching agreements for immediate implementation.

The conference, which drew representatives from Southern Darfur, Northern Bahr El-Ghazal, Western Bahr El-Ghazal and Warrap States, aimed to tighten social and economic ties between the two communities in an effort to avoid cattle-related conflicts.

Governor Malong called on citizens of neighbouring states to contribute positively to good relations among them. "We are doing today the same thing our predecessors used to do. They sat together and discussed issues related to their relations," said Mr. Malong.

Rezeigat team member Mohmed Ali Kurashi said the conference would discuss a joint court for disputes, the exchange of trade, improved fishing relations, construction of the Aweil-Dein road as well as Safa Bridge and establishment of health centres for nomads.

The gathering would also seek to create relations between counties, encourage visits by cultural groups and governments, motivate peace projects and control Sudan People's Liberation Army movement so that citizens could circulate freely.

Dinka Malual Executive Chief Achien Achien noted that the Rezeigat were the closest neighbors to his tribe. Quoting Government of Southern Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, he said, "We will never go back to war, but rather work for peace," and urged the Rezeigat to assist in maintaining security along the border to allow free grazing for both tribes.

AECOM Technology Corporation Director Marv Koop stressed that both parties must pass resolutions giving directives to governments at all levels, so that authorities could focus on the expectations of people they governed.

Parties must embrace peace rather than war, urged Peter Akec, Southern Sudan Deputy Chairman of the Peace Commission, and value their relationship as neighbors blessed with the river Kiir and lush grazing land for their cattle.

Rezeigat Cattle Herders representative Alteib Al-Nahi said his tribe had come to ensure peace along the Northern Bahr El-Ghazal- Southern Darfur border and in both tribes' cattle grazing area. "We Rezeigat are here as relatives and family that can not separate from the Dinka."

United States Agency for International Development Senior Advisor to Sudan John Mark praised Aweil for improving security, roads, services and economic activities, assuring participants that his agency would continue to support local projects so long as the community strived for peace.

The conference was supported by the private consultancy agency Policy, Advocacy, and Strategic Studies (PASS).

For the communique adopted at the Dinka-Rezeigat peace conference, click here.