OPINION | March 25, 2026
By William Sunday D. Tor
For years, Upper Nile State has been at the center of South Sudan’s most persistent conflicts. Intercommunal tensions, political divisions, and cycles of armed violence have left communities fractured, eroding trust and social cohesion. Yet, under the leadership of His Excellency Jacob Dollar Rout, Governor of Upper Nile State, a new window of opportunity has opened—a chance to turn the dream of peace into a tangible reality.Governor Rout has demonstrated that peace is not achieved through rhetoric alone.
By placing dialogue, inclusivity, and direct engagement at the core of his administration, he has begun bridging the gap between national authorities and local communities. A recent consultative peace meeting brought together senior government officials representing Upper Nile, setting the stage for collective ownership of a sustainable peace process.Most notably, the Governor temporarily relocated the state executive to the historic town of Nasir. This bold move was more than symbolic—it represents a strategic effort to bring the government directly to citizens. For too long, communities in Upper Nile felt disconnected from state institutions.
The presence of government officials in Nasir now sends a clear message: the state is present, responsive, and committed to its people.The Governor’s approach emphasizes ethnic inclusivity. Officials from Dinka, Shilluk, Maban, and Koma communities joined local Nuer residents in Nasir, demonstrating that the state belongs to all citizens.
This practical demonstration of coexistence counters historical divisions and misinformation that have fueled youth mobilization and violence in the past.While these efforts are significant, there is an urgent need to institutionalize peace. A comprehensive Upper Nile Peace Conference in Nasir should bring together all stakeholders:Ministers from the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) representing all ethnic groupsTraditional leaders, including the Shilluk King and paramount chiefs of the Dinka, Maban, and KomaReligious leaders to guide reconciliation effortsAcademics and intellectuals offering strategic, research-based insightsCivil society organizations, youth, and women’s groupsInternally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, whose voices are criticalObservers from other Upper Nile states and international and regional partners to enhance credibility.
A central outcome must be a roadmap for peace and development, coupled with national-level support, including the granting of presidential amnesty to members of the White Army and SPLA-In Opposition in Greater Nasir. Such measures can facilitate reintegration, reduce armed mobilization, and create space for dialogue and reconciliation.In parallel, a community-level dialogue between Greater Nasir and Baliet County is urgently needed. Local tensions, if unresolved, risk undermining broader peace initiatives.
Facilitated by neutral traditional and religious leaders, this dialogue should focus on rebuilding trust, addressing grievances, and establishing sustainable conflict-resolution mechanisms.True stability cannot be achieved without addressing structural challenges. Youth unemployment, weak local governance, and limited access to essential services remain threats to lasting peace. Therefore, initiatives to promote peace must go hand in hand with investments in education, health, livelihoods, and the strengthening of accountable, inclusive institutions.Peace begins in Nasir.
This phrase is more than a slogan—it is a roadmap for the future of Upper Nile State. By convening a comprehensive conference, facilitating local dialogues, and ensuring the active engagement of all stakeholders, the state can move from conflict to coexistence, from division to unity, and toward sustainable development.The people of Upper Nile deserve nothing less. The opportunity is real, the need is urgent, and the time to act is now.
William Sunday D. Tor is a former Local Government Administrative Officer in Khartoum Locality, Khartoum State, and currently a Lecturer in International Development and Regional Planning at Starford International University, Juba. He can be reached at: williamtor2011@gmail.com.
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