A high-level stakeholder meeting aimed at addressing cattle migration-related violence across Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, and Pibor concluded with key resolutions, including the enforcement of the 2017 presidential order mandating the return of cattle to their place of origin and the creation of a law to regulate cattle migration.
The meeting, which gathered national and state officials, including the governors of the three states, the administrator of the Pibor Administrative Area, and representatives from faith-based organizations and civil society, was convened to find a long-term solution to the ongoing violence caused by cattle migration in the affected regions.
Fifteen resolutions were adopted during the forum, with the First Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, Oyet Nathaniel, urging leaders to communicate the outcomes to their communities. He emphasized the importance of local implementation, noting that while some resolutions would require national government involvement, many must be carried out at the state level.
“Most of the resolutions in this document are to be implemented at the state level, while there are others that will require the intervention of national government agencies,” said Deputy Speaker Oyet. “As leaders, it is our responsibility to translate these resolutions to our communities and ensure their effective implementation.”
Governors, Luis Lobong Lojore called for action to address the root causes of the conflict, particularly focusing on the youth involved in cattle-related disputes. He stressed the need to bring the “real people” — the youth — to the table, urging continued facilitation of peace efforts.
“We need to engage the real people of the problem, the youth. While we quarrel amongst ourselves, those causing the problems are elsewhere, enjoying the fruits of what they have looted while others mourn. We are merely victims of their actions,” said Governor Lojore. “We need this facilitation to continue.”
