Leaders of Lakes and Warrap state hold dialogue on ending cross border cattle raids

By Mayak Majak Madit Tokjok

The political leadership of Lakes and Warrap States are holding dialogue aimed at ending the rampant cross-border cattle raids and killings.

The Governor of Lakes State, Rin Tueny Mabor, while speaking during the opening of the dialogue in Rumbek town on Monday, emphasized the need to end cross-border cattle raids involving Luacjang and Jalwang  of Warrap State and the Pakam and Gok communities of Lakes State.

“The Killing of vulnerable groups such as women, elderly and children is against the rule of law,” said Mabor.

He also said that revenge killings and renaming of places and composing of folklore songs demeaning perceived rival communities must end, adding that dialogue is the main tool for resolving disputes.

“Communal disputes should be settled through communal dialogue as peace is significant to lasting love, joy and prosperity,” said Mabor.

Christopher Muchiri Murenga, Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Lakes State praised the dialogue initiated among the two communities, adding that it is the most important vehicle to bring lasting peace and security.

Director General in the National Ministry of Peacebuilding, Diang Bichok, noted that the high dowry price has also contributed to the incessant cross-border cattle raids.

Mathiang Ater Chier, Paramount Chief of Rumbek North County, said that the disputes between communities in Lakes and Warrap State is also due to climatic shocks resulting in disputes over grazing pastures and water points for animals.

For his part, Gum Mading Akuecbeny, Paramount Chief representing Warrap State thanked peace partners for organizing the dialogue, adding that the dispute between herders from the two States is mainly about water points for animals but not grazing pastures.

The inter-state peace conference was co-organized by peace canal organization in Rumbek and Kongkoc in Kuacjok.

The conference brought together communities from Tonj South, Tonj East and Rumbek North and Cueibet counties.