Buseri chief says Warrap herders ignore advice, destroy crops

Tension is rising between local famers and cattle keepers at Buseri area in Wau County in South Sudan’s Western Bahr al Ghazal state, a local chief said.

Tension is rising between local famers and cattle keepers at Buseri area in Wau County in South Sudan’s Western Bahr al Ghazal state, a local chief said.

Sultan John Mafhoum from Buseri told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that pastoralists coming from Warrap State spoiled the crops especially cassava by allowing cattle to go onto farms.

He pointed out that they complained to the local authorities, but the problem hasn’t been solved.

The traditional leader added that commissioners of neighboring counties in Warrap previously visited the area and talked to the herders on the matter.

“The Wau County Commissioner Elia Kamilo Dimo has also been urging the pastoralists on the radio not to cause insecurity in the area, but they don’t listen,” he said.

In late February, the alleged insecurity caused by Warrap herders in Wau County was discussed during a joint meeting at the Wau Grand Hotel.

Wau County Commissioner Elia Kamilo previously told Radio Tamazuj that the proliferation of arms in the hands of herders who cross from neighbouring Warrap state was addressed and it was agreed during the last meeting to ban the weapons.

Related:

Wau official says Warrap herders “will not carry guns again” (24 Feb.)