Road openings: a story in pictures

Written By POFcast

Members of the four teams share their favourite images as the journey unfolded…

And catch up below on the instagram stories from throughout the journey:

Day 07 It was a very special day for the POF team - it was our esteemed colleague - Peacebuilding and Conflict Lead - @minagano_kape ‘s birthday! Joining the road opening mission was completely optional for our POF colleagues (apart from Davi
Day 06 At the Makol Cuei–Manyabol meeting point, endurance took a different form. Not walking, but speaking. Awoken at 4.30am by Murle songs and prayers, formal discussions began at 8am and ran until nearly 6pm. Youth and Chiefs from both si
Day5 Frustration dominated in Kadiang and among the stranded team from Bichibich, while the teams from Manyabol and Makol Cuei finally connected. In Kadiang, all the youth had assembled by yesterday morning. But as they waited on news of the stuck
Day 4: The sun (briefly) abandoned the team from Makol Cuei yesterday as dry water point followed dry water point. Today brought the usual scorching heat — and growing pressure on already thin supplies. By late morning, it was clear that hope
The day began with delays across almost every team — except Bichibich, who set off at 6am sharp (saving their drama for later). After several steady hours of progress, their support vehicle became bogged. The team split in two: one group stayed
Working and walking in partnership with the local armed youth gives us the guidance and protection we need as we navigate the 130km route together over the next days. Our hosts have just returned from their patrol for the evening to secure the area,
Each walking group has now assembled in their respective locations and set up camp at the start of their trails. The armed youth and locals have warmly welcomed us, along with our Peace Canal colleagues.
This is Aleer Jacob, our colleague from @peacecanal and leader of the road openings mission from Makol-Cuei to Manyobol. He is a courageous and committed leader and will no doubt get us safely to our destination.
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When Peace Walks: February 2026 Road Openings Mission