18 September 2006 — (Nairobi) — The governor of Jonglei state says that peace is now prevailing in the state following a recent disarmament exercise in the state.

Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Governor Philip Thon Leek said that even the Murle tribe which used to fight other communities in the state during the war has now embraced peace. He added that 80 per cent of the communities which had arms have been disarmed except the militia in Pibor and Ayod County.

[Philip Thon:] “The Murle that were feared by the Dinka and the Nuer are much more organized, their chiefs took the lead and talked with them so the Murle are not coming to raid the Dinka, the Nuer and the Anyuak now. The Murle have already convinced us that the guns are not going to be used against their sisters and brothers”

Mr. Leek advised the communities to stop revenging on their neighbors when they are attacked as the state authorities will deal with the attackers.

He called on southern Sudanese living in Nairobi to return home to help in the reconstruction process. He also promised to offer transport to those who cannot afford it.