RUMBEK — The states of Lakes and Warrap in South Sudan have pledged to stop cattle raiding amongst their populations at conclusion of a two-day peace conference in Rumbek North Count on Tuesday.
The conference organized by the Kong-Koc consortium and Peace Canal brought together 100 participants, comprising government representatives, chiefs, women, and young people from Pakam of Lakes and Luacjang of Warrap State.
Mathiang Mading, a Representative of Peace Canal spokesman, who spoke to Sudans Post on Wednesday, said the two communities agreed to stop road ambushes, revenge killings, cattle raids, and intercommunal violence between the two states.
“They have agreed right away from today not to steal any more or conduct cattle exchange between the two communities or conduct road ambushes and to stop also road ambushes and robbery on the highway between the roads going to Mayiga and Maper,” said Mading.
Mading said they agreed frequently engaged in order to put an end to raiding.
“This cattle theft is what always caused conflicts because once the thief crossed to the other side, they would raid or steal cattle, and those cattle would be followed by cattle owners, and in the process of recovery, then fighting may erupt and killing may happen, and after the killing, it will be followed by the revenge attack, and the cycle will continue.”
He claimed that the meeting made it possible for the local authorities to work together to find quick fixes for livestock raiding.
“They have agreed that this peace will not be spoiled anymore by the criminals. So, they have promised themselves that each and every one will take full responsibility for controlling thieves from both sides.”
For his part, Moses Maker Magok, Commissioner of Rumbek North County, said the state governments on both sides will make sure that these measures are put into effect in order to promote peaceful coexistence.
Martha Alook Bol, women’s representative of Rumbek North County, expressed her gratitude for the productive discussion.
“As women, we will be able to return to our homes, which have been abandoned since the start of the conflicts, once the signed resolutions are put into effect,” Alook stated.
