The committee alleged that Rezigat nomads, a Muslim and an Arab tribe of the nomadic Baggara people predominantly found in Sudan’s Darfur region, were responsible for the theft.
Mr. Leek Leek, a local herder, praised the peace committee’s efforts to recover the stolen cattle.
He expressed willingness to collaborate with the committee, which includes both Rezigat and Dinka Malual representatives, to resolve the issue peacefully.
“The peace committee’s commitment to securing compensation for our stolen cattle fosters harmony with the Rezigat nomads, our longstanding neighbours and brothers. We seek only a peaceful resolution to prevent tensions from escalating,” Leek declared.
Leek further noted that their claim is substantiated by the discovery of two stolen cows at a slaughterhouse in Darfur’s market, identified by Dinka herders from Aweil North who promptly informed the community.
Abdallah Sheikh, a Rezigat representative in Gok-Machar, confirmed he received two cows from the Sudan border and reported them to the Gok-Machar authorities.
Sheikh explained that the peace committee convened and determined a compensation of 31 million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), equivalent to 14 million Sudanese Pounds, for the stolen cattle.
“I recovered two cows, and the suspects are detained because the cattle were traced to their kraal in Darfur. We’ve urged them to return the cows or pay the compensation,” Sheikh affirmed.
The secretary general of the Gok-Machar peace committee stated that the two suspects from Sudan are being held in Kiir-Adem police custody, pending the return of the cattle or payment of compensation.
The Dinka Malual, Rezigat, and Misseriya communities have long-standing peace accords that mandate compensation for cattle theft or loss of life, ensuring blood compensation or restitution to maintain harmony.
