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UNMISS supports efforts for peaceful cattle migration in Greater Bahr El Ghazal

Support for the implementation of an agreement reached between cattle herders and farming  communities in south-western greater Bahr El Ghazal to ensure peaceful migration is being provided by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

UNMISS’ Civil Affairs Division in Wau has helped facilitate the agreement reached between cattle herders from Tonj and communities of former Jur River and Wau counties .

Every year, cattle migration starts during the dry month of January between these communities which border each  other. 

The Dinka community in Tonj move their cattle in search of grass in the farming community of Jur and there are also cattle herders within Wau town and surrounding areas.

“We have ground nut, simsim, and sorghum not fully harvested by the time cattle migration will be fully fledged in our area,” said Chief of Jur community in Kuarjena, Uyu Awet.

That raises concerns about damage caused to the farmers’ crops and water points by the cattle, leading to corresponding friction between the farmers and cattle herders, which can spark violent conflict.

To avoid clashes, an agreement was reached between these communities which puts in place compensation to be paid in kind or cash by both sides when violations happen, said Clement Ntumba, UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer in Wau.

“We supported the process of the agreement and continue supporting in the monitoring of its implementation to promote peaceful co-existence of different communities,” he said.

Kuarjena Commissioner, Burjok Ushu, says his community has been informed about the agreement ahead of the migration that will start early in January and commended  the continued support by UNMISS.

“If there is transgression on either part, we shall form a committee to make people accountable to enforce what is written in the agreement,” he said.

The agreement was signed in October 2017 with involvement of  local chiefs and government in the region.