Civil-Military Dialogue Held 16th - 18th 2023 at Rwonyi Boma, Yei River County

Export agreement:

Country/entity: South Sudan
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Civil-Military Dialogue Held 16th - 18th 2023 at Rwonyi Boma, Yei River County
Date: 18 Aug 2023
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/local conflict
Sudan Conflicts (1955 - )
Agreements relate to several distinct dyads, and also the negotiated independence of South Sudan, and subsequent internal conflict in South Sudan. Sudan-South Sudan. The long-standing conflict between the north and the south of the country dates back to colonial times, where the British introduced a so-called ‘Southern Policy’, severely hampering population movements between these big regions. Immediately after gaining independence in 1956, southern movements started to fight for independence; this fight became professionalised in 1983 with the foundation of the soon internationally supported Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). When the Islamic Front government introduced strict sharia laws in the south after it took over power in 1988 the war intensified. A decade later, the military situation reached a stalemate, enabling internationally facilitated peace negotiations to begin in 1997. After more fighting, a final negotiation push began in 2002, leading to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Areement (CPA) in January 2005.

Sudan-South Sudan post referendum. South Sudan became independent in July 2011; since then, relations between the two countries are complicated and violent conflict led by the SPLM (North) in the Sudanese Nuba mountains region has since intensified.

Darfur. Other long-standing violent conflicts are in the east and the west of the country. In the east, the Beja Congress, established in 1957, is the spearhead of a currently ‘peaceful’ opposition movement. In the west, the violent conflict in Darfur intensified in the early 2000s and rapidly gained international attention, even resulting in genocide charges against leading figures of the Sudanese government. The situation on the ground is complex, with over a dozen organisations (most notably the Sudanese Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement) fighting the Sudanese government and allied groups like the Janjaweed – although all parties have switched sides on numerous occasions. Several mediation attempts have not been successful, due to the shaky commitment of the Sudanese central government and the distrust among the armed opposition.

South Sudan - internal
In December 2013, after president Salva Kiir accused opposition leader Riek Machar of attempting a coup, violent conflict broke out between government forces of the SPLM/A and anti-governmental groups. In addition, several other political militias as well as communal militias have joined the conflict. In 2015 the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) was signed. Due to unsuccessful implementation the agreement was revitalized in 2018. In September 2019, Kiir and Machar agreed to establish a power-sharing government after struggles on forming a unity transitional government.
Stage: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Other
Peace process: South Sudan: Post-secession Local agreements
Parties: Civilians of Rwonyi Boma (Community):
- Justin Diko Modi - Executive Chief Rwonyi Boma
- Jackson Lule Michael - Youth Leader, Rwonyi Boma
- Rt.Rev. Levi Marandulu - ECSS Diocese of Yei
- James Sanya Mabe - Land Lord, Rwonyi Boma
- Nensa Aje William - Chairlady Rwonyi Boma

The Army:
Major Mayen Makarou, Deputy Chief for Administration - Yei OPS, SSPDF.
Third parties: Yeka Joel Denis - CEPO-Field office

James Mugo - UNMISS Yei-CAD

Joseph Brown Lo Mose - Paramount Chief behalf of Peace Committee
Description: A local civil-military dialogue which is part of structured local approaches to managing cycles of violence, improving trust and social cohesion between communities and the military. This agreement attempts to address violence and past acts of crime between civilians in Rwonyi, centrally youth gangs and the military, and provides for confidence building measures to end violence, build trust and open better communication between the groups. Substantively it addresses accusations of sexual violence and attacks on civilians, with an opening set of grievances from both sides. It then builds in a level of detail and mechanisms to address a range of issues; including DDR, hate speech and better channels of communication, land management and destruction of property, and respect for cultural and land-based practices. Local chiefs and traditional leaders are central as part of monitoring, reporting and managing reconciliation, as well as efforts for better communication. Local Peace Committees support these local authority mechanisms.

Agreement document

SS_230818_Civil-Military Dialogue Held 16th - 18th 2023 at Rwonyi Boma, Yei River County | Download PDF

Source of document

https://sudantribune.com/article/276324

https://www.radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/yei-locally-driven-solutions-forge-stronger-civil-military-relations-in-rwonyi-boma

Groups

Children/youth: Groups→Children/youth→Other
Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
20. A youth gang terrorising peole [people] or soldiers in Rwonyi Boma should be disbanded or stopped.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Rhetorical
Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
4. Civilians should return to their original villages and farms and begin normal life (civilians in Rwonyi Boma - the army should guarantee their security)
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
1. Report all issues or crimes immediately or timely to the relevant authorities (the victim) through relevant reporting channel - to the local chief, police post or local army commander.
...
3. Civilians should not carry guns, and chiefs should conduct an awareness to Rwonyi Community that possession of arms by civilians is illegal (civilians + chiefs)
...
11. Rwonyi Chiefs should deceased [desist] from issuing permits to civilians to remove iron (sheets from people's houses or public buildings, and anyone caught with a permit to remove iron sheets, should immediately be arrested and taken to police (Boma Chief, police)
...
13. Civilians and military should invite each other to attend major events or occasions in order to cement relationship and peaceful co-existence (Community leaders and military commanders)
...
16. Civilians and military should create / establish appropriate avenues of communication between each other.
This can be done through their respective lines of authority (community leaders, chiefs and military commanders)
...
20. A youth gang terrorising peole [people] or soldiers in Rwonyi Boma should be disbanded or stopped.
The Commissioner, who is the head of security in Yei River County should issue a statement condemning the activities of this gang and have them brought to the law or book.
This gang should be dealt with decisively but within the law of the country (Commisioer [Commissioner] and security, religious leaders, )
21. All the resolutions passed in this dialogue should be disseminated to all chiefs and other concerned authorities in Rwonyi Boma (Peace Committee, Executive Chief of Rwonyi Boma)
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
20. A youth gang terrorising peole [people] or soldiers in Rwonyi Boma should be disbanded or stopped.
The Commissioner, who is the head of security in Yei River County should issue a statement condemning the activities of this gang and have them brought to the law or book.
This gang should be dealt with decisively but within the law of the country (Commisioer [Commissioner] and security, religious leaders, )
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Other
Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
16. Civilians and military should create / establish appropriate avenues of communication between each other.
This can be done through their respective lines of authority (community leaders, chiefs and military commanders)
17. Avoid hate speech between civilians and army (civilians and army)
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of civilians
Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
3. Civilians should not carry guns, and chiefs should conduct an awareness to Rwonyi Community that possession of arms by civilians is illegal (civilians + chiefs)
...
8. Both military and civilians should stop killing each other (both military and civilians)
...
18. It is illegal for a civilian to grab a gun from a soldier, unless on self-defense, and it must be reported (taken) to the relevant authorities(civilians)
...
20. A youth gang terrorising peole [people] or soldiers in Rwonyi Boma should be disbanded or stopped.
The Commissioner, who is the head of security in Yei River County should issue a statement condemning the activities of this gang and have them brought to the law or book.
This gang should be dealt with decisively but within the law of the country (Commisioer [Commissioner] and security, religious leaders, )
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: Land, property and environment→Land reform/rights→Land reform and management
Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
10. Cattle should be relocated from Rwonyi Boma with immediate effects because they are destroying people's crops (Commissioner and cattle owners).
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
10. Cattle should be relocated from Rwonyi Boma with immediate effects because they are destroying people's crops (Commissioner and cattle owners).
...
15. Avoid unnecessary cutting of big natural trees in Rwonyi Boma.
Soldiers may be allowed to cut other natural trees to make firewood or charcoal for their upkeep (civilians and military)
Cultural heritage: Soldiers may be allowed to cut other natural trees to make firewood or charcoal for their upkeep (civilians and military)
...
Land, property and environment→Cultural heritage→Tangible
Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
14. Cultural shrines should be marked and respected by all (civilians and military)
15. Avoid unnecessary cutting of big natural trees in Rwonyi Boma.
...
19. All cultural shrines should be respected by both sides (
Land, property and environment→Cultural heritage→Promotion
Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
14. Cultural shrines should be marked and respected by all (civilians and military)
...
19. All cultural shrines should be respected by both sides (
Environment: Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
15. Avoid unnecessary cutting of big natural trees in Rwonyi Boma.
Soldiers may be allowed to cut other natural trees to make firewood or charcoal for their upkeep (civilians and military)
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
3. Civilians should not carry guns, and chiefs should conduct an awareness to Rwonyi Community that possession of arms by civilians is illegal (civilians + chiefs)
4. Civilians should return to their original villages and farms and begin normal life (civilians in Rwonyi Boma - the army should guarantee their security)
...
8. Both military and civilians should stop killing each other (both military and civilians)
...
20. A youth gang terrorising peole [people] or soldiers in Rwonyi Boma should be disbanded or stopped.
The Commissioner, who is the head of security in Yei River County should issue a statement condemning the activities of this gang and have them brought to the law or book.
This gang should be dealt with decisively but within the law of the country (Commisioer [Commissioner] and security, religious leaders, )
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
1. Report all issues or crimes immediately or timely to the relevant authorities (the victim) through relevant reporting channel - to the local chief, police post or local army commander.
...
5. All civil cases should be reported to police, not to soldiers (civilians)
...
11. Rwonyi Chiefs should deceased [desist] from issuing permits to civilians to remove iron (sheets from people's houses or public buildings, and anyone caught with a permit to remove iron sheets, should immediately be arrested and taken to police (Boma Chief, police)
...
18. It is illegal for a civilian to grab a gun from a soldier, unless on self-defense, and it must be reported (taken) to the relevant authorities(civilians)
Armed forces: Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
1. Report all issues or crimes immediately or timely to the relevant authorities (the victim) through relevant reporting channel - to the local chief, police post or local army commander.
2. There is a need for total forgiveness and reconciliation between the civilians and the army, and to forget the past (civilians and army with immediate)
...
4. Civilians should return to their original villages and farms and begin normal life (civilians in Rwonyi Boma - the army should guarantee their security)
...
6. Both civilians and soldiers should avoid false accusations/ allegations against each other (both civilians and soldiers)
7. Both civilians and military should respect each other, and have cooperation (both civilians and military)
8. Both military and civilians should stop killing each other (both military and civilians)
9. Soldiers should be confined to barracks unless on duty, in uniform and not drunk (military commanders)
...
13. Civilians and military should invite each other to attend major events or occasions in order to cement relationship and peaceful co-existence (Community leaders and military commanders)
14. Cultural shrines should be marked and respected by all (civilians and military)
...
Soldiers may be allowed to cut other natural trees to make firewood or charcoal for their upkeep (civilians and military)
16. Civilians and military should create / establish appropriate avenues of communication between each other.
This can be done through their respective lines of authority (community leaders, chiefs and military commanders)
17. Avoid hate speech between civilians and army (civilians and army)
...
20. A youth gang terrorising peole [people] or soldiers in Rwonyi Boma should be disbanded or stopped.
The Commissioner, who is the head of security in Yei River County should issue a statement condemning the activities of this gang and have them brought to the law or book.
This gang should be dealt with decisively but within the law of the country (Commisioer [Commissioner] and security, religious leaders, )
DDR: Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
3. Civilians should not carry guns, and chiefs should conduct an awareness to Rwonyi Community that possession of arms by civilians is illegal (civilians + chiefs)
4. Civilians should return to their original villages and farms and begin normal life (civilians in Rwonyi Boma - the army should guarantee their security)
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
1. Report all issues or crimes immediately or timely to the relevant authorities (the victim) through relevant reporting channel - to the local chief, police post or local army commander.
...
11. Rwonyi Chiefs should deceased [desist] from issuing permits to civilians to remove iron (sheets from people's houses or public buildings, and anyone caught with a permit to remove iron sheets, should immediately be arrested and taken to police (Boma Chief, police)
12. In Case of any problem or crime committed by unknown person, a fact-finding missions or committee should first be established before issuing any allegation against any side (both civilians, chiefs and army commanders)
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
1. Report all issues or crimes immediately or timely to the relevant authorities (the victim) through relevant reporting channel - to the local chief, police post or local army commander.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue
...
2. There is a need for total forgiveness and reconciliation between the civilians and the army, and to forget the past (civilians and army with immediate)
...
13. Civilians and military should invite each other to attend major events or occasions in order to cement relationship and peaceful co-existence (Community leaders and military commanders)

Implementation

UN signatory: SIGNATORIES:
...
James Mugo
UNMISS Yei-CAD.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.

Civil-Military Dialogue Held 16th - 18th 2023 at Rwonyi Boma, Yei River County

Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue held 16th - 18th August 2023

A. Issues Raised by the Civilians of Rwonyi Boma (Community)

1. Killing of the civilians in Rwonyi

2. Cattle raiding

3. Cutting down of trees by the soldiers that are suppose [supposed] prohibited due to the culture of Rwonyi tradition.

4. Presences [Presence] of cattle's [cattle] in the area over the last month ago causes destruction of properties.

5. Destruction of shrine according to the tradition of Rwonyi culture.

6. Destruction of houses by the military forces.

7. Power imbalance

8. Interference in to [into] civil cases.

9. Restriction of movement by the military especially in other parts of Rwonyi especially in Nyonge.

B, Issues Raised By the Army

1. Killing of our soldiers following rebellion in Yei

2. Rape cases allegation by the youth of Rwonyi.

3. Ambushes by the youth of Rwonyi Boma

4. Civilian started to evacuate the area.

5. Sultan never cooperate with the military.

6. In 2018, Rwonyi youths attacked our barracks.

7. The youth of Rwonyi use to capture people take them to their rebel held areas and start accusing the army.

8. They rape and killed a lady with her child and accuse the army.

9. The lay ambushes killing innocent people and loot others and start accusing the ARMY.

10. Rwonyi youth beat our soldiers and loot guns from our soldiers.

Resolutions to the Issues Identified at the Rwonyi Civil-Military Dialogue

1. Report all issues or crimes immediately or timely to the relevant authorities (the victim) through relevant reporting channel - to the local chief, police post or local army commander.

2. There is a need for total forgiveness and reconciliation between the civilians and the army, and to forget the past (civilians and army with immediate)

3. Civilians should not carry guns, and chiefs should conduct an awareness to Rwonyi Community that possession of arms by civilians is illegal (civilians + chiefs)

4. Civilians should return to their original villages and farms and begin normal life (civilians in Rwonyi Boma - the army should guarantee their security)

5. All civil cases should be reported to police, not to soldiers (civilians)

6. Both civilians and soldiers should avoid false accusations/ allegations against each other (both civilians and soldiers)

7. Both civilians and military should respect each other, and have cooperation (both civilians and military)

8. Both military and civilians should stop killing each other (both military and civilians)

9. Soldiers should be confined to barracks unless on duty, in uniform and not drunk (military commanders)

10. Cattle should be relocated from Rwonyi Boma with immediate effects because they are destroying people's crops (Commissioner and cattle owners).

11. Rwonyi Chiefs should deceased [desist] from issuing permits to civilians to remove iron (sheets from people's houses or public buildings, and anyone caught with a permit to remove iron sheets, should immediately be arrested and taken to police (Boma Chief, police)

12. In Case of any problem or crime committed by unknown person, a fact-finding missions or committee should first be established before issuing any allegation against any side (both civilians, chiefs and army commanders)

13. Civilians and military should invite each other to attend major events or occasions in order to cement relationship and peaceful co-existence (Community leaders and military commanders)

14. Cultural shrines should be marked and respected by all (civilians and military)

15. Avoid unnecessary cutting of big natural trees in Rwonyi Boma.

Soldiers may be allowed to cut other natural trees to make firewood or charcoal for their upkeep (civilians and military)

16. Civilians and military should create / establish appropriate avenues of communication between each other.

This can be done through their respective lines of authority (community leaders, chiefs and military commanders)

17. Avoid hate speech between civilians and army (civilians and army)

18. It is illegal for a civilian to grab a gun from a soldier, unless on self-defense, and it must be reported (taken) to the relevant authorities(civilians)

19. All cultural shrines should be respected by both sides (

20. A youth gang terrorising peole [people] or soldiers in Rwonyi Boma should be disbanded or stopped.

The Commissioner, who is the head of security in Yei River County should issue a statement condemning the activities of this gang and have them brought to the law or book.

This gang should be dealt with decisively but within the law of the country (Commisioer [Commissioner] and security, religious leaders, )

21. All the resolutions passed in this dialogue should be disseminated to all chiefs and other concerned authorities in Rwonyi Boma (Peace Committee, Executive Chief of Rwonyi Boma)

NB: The Monitoring and Evaluation of the resolutions of the dialogue will be the responsibility of Rwonyi Boma Council and Payam Peace Committee.

SIGNATORIES:

Signed:

Joseph Brown Lo Mose

Paramount Chief behalf of Peace Committee

Signed:

Major Mayen Makarou, Deputy Chief

for Administration – Yei OPS, SSPDF.

Signed:

Justin Diko Modi

Executive Chief Rwonyi Boma

Signed:

James Sanya Mabe

Land Lord, Rwonyi Boma

Signed:

Jackson Lule Michael

Youth Leader, Rwonyi Boma

Signed:

Nensa Aje William

Chairlady Rwonyi Boma

Signed:

Rt.

Rev. Levi Marandulu

ECSS Diocese of Yei

Signed:

James Mugo

UNMISS Yei-CAD.

Signed:

Yeka Joel Denis

CEPO-Field office.

Civil-Military Dialogue Held 16th - 18th 2023 at Rwonyi Boma, Yei River County

Groups

Gender

State definition

Governance

Power sharing

Human rights and equality

Rights related issues

Rights institutions

Justice sector reform

Socio-economic reconstruction

Land, property and environment

Security sector

Transitional justice

Implementation

Source agreement