Lawmakers in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) voiced differing opinions on how to tackle the issue of cattle raiding in the country during a session on Tuesday. Some called for swift unification and deployment of forces to protect citizens from these attacks.
The discussion stemmed from a motion presented by Dr. Awel Mawien Atem regarding recent cattle raiding incidents in Aliet Camp, Yirol East County, Lakes State, allegedly carried out by suspected cattle raiders from Panyijar County, Unity State.
Dr. Awel explained, “On the Eve of April 16, 2024, an armed group from Panyijiar County in Unity State attacked the Aliet cattle camp in Yali payam of Yirol-East County, injuring 10 youth and making off with several heads of cattle from the camp.”
She added, “Fortunately, before they could cross to Unity State with the cattle, they were obstructed by youth from the nearby cattle camp of Rumbek East County and managed to recover all the cattle. However, the attack also injured another person among the youth, bringing the total number of victims to 11.”
Dr. Awel highlighted the profound impact of such attacks on the community, stating, “Some of these victims suffer life-threatening injuries. Some will definitely leave with permanent morbidity. Sadly, all these high costs of treatment, health, and social consequences of the incident that suffer including the loss of lives also are solely shoulder by the families of the victims.”
She also mentioned another recent attack in Yirol East County, specifically in a location called Tinagau earlier this month, where two people were killed, and several cattle were raided.
“Right Honourable Speaker, before I proceed, there was another incident in Yirol-East County. On the 8th of May, an attack occurred in a place called Tinagau, resulting in the deaths of two people and the raiding of 122 cattle. As of now, they have not been recovered,” she explained.
“This is a recent event that happened after I initially presented the motion. The 11 victims are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals in Yirol, with some transferred to Juba,” she added.
She further urged the government, through the August House, to ensure nationwide disarmament. “We call upon the government of national unity to conduct comprehensive disarmament across the country,” Dr. Awel emphasized.
Nyau Lang, an SPLM member representing Ayod County of Jonglei State, recommended that the government undertake disarmament to restore peace in cattle-keeping communities. He noted that discussions and resolutions on cattle raiding have occurred previously in the august house.
“I propose that we acknowledge the necessity for simultaneous disarmament to put an end to cattle raiding. Our people should return to their traditional ways of carrying spears while tending to their cattle,” he stressed, emphasizing this as the only solution.
In response, Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba endorsed the recommendation for swift unification and deployment of forces to address the issue. Nunu also condemned the cattle raiding incident and offered condolences to the families of those killed in the attack.