An annual peace conference involving the Dinka Malual and Rizeigat tribes is underway today in the town of Gok Machar, Northern Bahr el-Ghazal state.

Expected to discuss cross-border issues between the two communities, these are likely to include shared cross-border water and grazing access of Rizeigat pastoralists and coordinating a response tointer-tribal crime.

Earlier this month a similar conference was held in Aweil East county between the Dinka Malual and members of the Misseriya group.

Resolutions reached included permission for the Misseriya to access water and pastureland for their cattle on the condition that they are not armed with guns.

Northern Bahr el-Ghazal authorities also reiterated that the Misseriya pastoralists should travel with their governor, in addition to tribal leaders, when attending such meetings.  The Misseriya demanded that anyone responsible for stealing their cattle should be held accountable.