The prices of animals being sold at auction in Abyei have come down drastically since the ceasefire agreement was signed in South Sudan recently.
Dier Nyok Pajuol, chairman of the Pastoralists’ Association, said livestock prices decreased because there was now much better security in Unity state, where many cattle breeders were based.
More animals were now able to be driven to market in Abyei, he said.
Abyei Today programme reported that despite the fall in the price of animals, the price of meat on sale in the market has remained the same.
A butcher at Aniet market, Mohammed Juac Chol, said this was because the government made butchers pay an “evaluation fee” for each animal to be slaughtered, plus taxes and veterinary fees.
Shoppers in Aniet market were not happy, according to Abyei Today. They said beef was very expensive, but they had no option but to pay the price being asked.
File photo: Cattle in Abyei (Radio Tamazuj)
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