South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The consultative dialogue aimed at addressing the escalating conflict between farmers and cattle herders in Mere, Lire of Kajokeji County, Central Equatoria State, has concluded successfully, with a call for the immediate evacuation of cattle.
Bush Buse, the coordinator for the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), stated that cattle herders and farmers have agreed on the immediate evacuation and return of cattle to their areas of origin.
“All cattle originating from Nyankole, Bor, Terekeka, Falata, and Ambororo are to evacuate Kajokeji County and return to their places of origin, as per the 2017 Presidential Order,” Buse said on Monday in a statement.
Buse emphasized that the dialogue represents a critical step toward sustainable peace between farmers and herders in Kajokeji County.
He added that a collective commitment to implement the resolutions and foster a safer, more harmonious environment for all communities is essential.
Additionally, Buse revealed that participants in the consultative dialogue urged the national government to enforce the evacuation directive and called for an immediate end to tax collection from herders by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
“The Kajokeji County Authority will convene a meeting with chiefs from the Nyankole and Falata communities, alongside local leaders. Together, they will create a clear timeline and peaceful process for cattle evacuation. The Kajokeji Follow-up Committee will oversee the monitoring and implementation of these decisions,” he said.
“It was recommended that SSPDF forces currently stationed in civilian areas be relocated to strategic border positions to strengthen local security and protect South Sudan’s territorial integrity. The deployment of police forces into civilian regions was also encouraged to enhance safety and uphold public order.”
The dialogue, organized by the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) in partnership with other consortium members and the Kajokeji County Authority, focused on identifying collaborative solutions to urgent challenges affecting local communities.
The consultative dialogue centered around the destruction of farmland by cattle and was held under the theme “Identifying Challenges and Solutions: A Collaborative Approach to Resolving Conflicts Between Farmers and Cattle Herders.” It brought together key stakeholders, including local leaders, farmers, herders, and security representatives.
