Community leaders in South Sudan are urging for peace between cattle herders and farmers during a UNMISS engagement. Farmers face threats from armed pastoralists, impacting agricultural activities and safety. Key discussions emphasized the need for conflict resolution and the role of newly appointed authorities in restoring peace.
Community leaders have recently called for peace between cattle herders and farmers during a grassroots engagement facilitated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The fertile land in Lainya County has a productive history, supporting numerous households involved in both farming and livestock rearing. Nonetheless, this agricultural prosperity is currently threatened due to the influx of armed pastoralists seeking grazing lands and water, leading to tensions and frequent conflict over these vital resources.
Concerns about safety and property loss are prevalent among local residents. Thomas Ladu, a Kupera Payam elder, expressed frustration over the destruction of his crops by armed herders, stating, “Local residents are nervous about what might happen to them, their crops, and their animals. As we speak now, the armed herders are in my compound.” He highlighted the inability of the government to address the issue effectively, leaving farmers feeling stranded and defenseless.
The discussions at the UNMISS-hosted engagement emphasized the need for conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. Roosevelt Gbamie Cooper, UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, mentioned the importance of sharing information about South Sudan’s political situation, including the Revitalized Peace Agreement and essential governance issues. The event attracted over 90 participants, including community leaders, youth, and women, who were engaged in meaningful dialogues aimed at fostering development and peace.
A critical worry raised by returnees, like Taban Rufas, was the impact of cattle on their ability to rebuild lives in their homes. Rufas reported that his newly settled community is suffering from continued assaults on their food sources, which forced many to flee back to refugee camps in Uganda. He remarked, “Our relationship with the pastoralists is bad. They are threatening us with their guns, and we are living in fear.”
Edward Taban, the Kupera Payam Director, called attention to the unlawful occupation of land by the migrating pastoralists, emphasizing the necessity for their relocation to ensure the safety of farmers and their activities. He noted, “It’s vital that the pastoralists move away from civilian villages so that farming activities are not affected, and communities can feel safe and secure.”
Ultimately, the discussions proposed that the newly appointed County authorities may play a pivotal role in resolving the ongoing challenges between farmers and pastoralists, fostering a more harmonious environment moving forward.
In conclusion, the rising tensions between cattle herders and farmers in Lainya County, South Sudan, necessitate urgent intervention to foster peace and security. Community leaders have expressed significant concerns regarding the occupation of their land by armed pastoralists and the ensuing threat to agricultural activities. The engagement by UNMISS highlights the collaborative effort required from governmental authorities and local communities to resolve these disputes effectively and ensure a stable and prosperous environment for both agricultural and pastoral livelihoods.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
