Cattle keepers and their herds began leaving the Maridi area Tuesday morning following a week of high tensions following clashes.

The cattle keepers have been ordered out by Preisdent Salva Kiir in order to bring peace to the area.

Western Equatoria state governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro delivered the order on Monday with deputy foreign affairs minister Peter Bashir and SPLA division six commander Johnson Juma.

They directed the security organs to free the way for the cattle keepers to leave.

The governor also ordered an immediate ceasefire and said an investigation will be held and people involved in the incidents will be accountable for killings. Bakosoro called for the people to return to their homes.

Still, one person was killed after the rally along the Sika Rumbek road last night, and gunshots can still be heard in Maridi creating fear among displaced civilians.

Meanwhile, Maridi Youth Chairperson Daniel Udada Gbandi said that many well-armed cattle keepers are occupying the plot of the Catholic Church in Maridi, Radio Anisa reported.

Photo: cattle leaving Maridi