The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has announced plans to open dialogue with community leaders, youth, women, and White Army representatives as part of efforts to restore security in Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile states.

The decision followed a consultative meeting over the weekend at military headquarters between senior SSPDF officers and servicemen from the Nuer community, chaired by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Santino Deng Wol.

SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lui Ruai Koang said the discussions centered on practical steps to tackle insecurity in the three states.

“The meeting resolved to initiate dialogue with stakeholders, including traditional leaders, women, youth leaders and leaders of the White Army. We also want armed civilians to stay out of the conflict between the national army and the armed opposition and focus on their livelihoods,” Koang stated.

He added that participants endorsed the full implementation of the transitional security arrangements outlined in the peace agreement and urged all sides to spread messages of peace.

“The message we unanimously adopted is ‘Give Peace a Chance.’ Let us resume the full implementation of the transitional security arrangements. Let every one of us be an ambassador for peace by promoting social cohesion and strengthening intercommunal relations instead of spreading hostile messages,” he emphasized.

According to the SSPDF, the planned dialogue seeks to involve communities directly in peacebuilding and prevent further outbreaks of violence in the affected regions.