Authorities in the Pageri area of Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria State have confirmed the withdrawal of animals by cattle keepers who occupied the area.
The move was part of resolutions that were reached between pastoralists who have migrated to the area seeking grazing pasture for their cattle, and local farmers during a dialogue that took place in March.
The dialogue was organized by Peace Building Opportunity Fund with support provided by the United Kingdom.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday last week, John Ohure Solomon, the executive director of Pageri confirmed the move. “The withdrawal of cows is ongoing and they are being taken towards Kos-Mangat, which is an area between Eastern Equatoria and Central Equatoria,” he said. “At least three quarters of them are being taken and the few that are still left will be moved soon.”
He said the animals were being moved voluntarily, not forcefully.
The official further said the committee that was formed during the previous dialogue would continue monitoring the withdrawal of cattle.
Abraham Makur, the secretary for the cattle keepers in Magwi County, said they are moving animals in Kerepi and Arapi. He urged communities to be patient with them, blaming delays to withdraw animals on the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
For her part, however, Margaret Oliver, the chief of Moli area, said although cattle keepers are withdrawing their animals from Arapi and Kerepi areas, those in Mugali and Nimule are still remaining.
Last year, communities in Magwi County and cattle keepers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the withdrawal of animals, but the cattle keepers reportedly violated the MoU.