South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
The brutal killing of civilians in Magwi County particularly in Agoro, Chomboro, Obama and Ayiii villages should prompt speedy investigations.
The killings are believed to have taken place on January 31, 2025 allegedly in fighting involving pastoralists from Bor and local inhabitants who are farmers.
The two communities have been bickering over the past few years, with the local farming community accusing the pastoralists of destroying their crops in the farms.
The latest killing is not the first of it’s kind in Magwi County as several killings have taken place in the past.
President Salva Kiir has in the past issued directive to the cattle keepers to vacate land in Eastern Equatoria, Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria State but his orders have not been seriously implemented by those supposed to do so.
The intermittent skirmishes that often occur in Greater Equatoria region between cattle keepers and farmers could easily be avoided or resolved amicably if the two sides respect the rights of each group.
Cattle keepers from Jonglei State usually migrate with their animals during dry season in search of pasture and water.
Climatic shocks such as flooding have also contributed to the uncontrollable movement of herders in Greater Equatoria region, meaning that there are interests at play which require balancing act to prevent the rampant clashes.