The Regional Coordinator of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in Western Bahr el Ghazal State has denounced the violence currently unfolding between two opposing groups in Bessilia Payam, Wau County.
The conflict began earlier this month when SPLA-IO forces allegedly clashed with pastoralists after the reported looting of 500 head of cattle, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. Wau County Commissioner George Wajoki Tonga accused SPLA-IO forces in the area of orchestrating the attack on the cattle herders, a claim refuted by SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Uku Wanwee.
However, a civil society activist and CEPO’s coordinator in the state, Stephen Robo Musa, revealed that the conflict stems from tensions between cattle herders and local farmers in Wau County, a contention disputed by the county commissioner.
In an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Robo urged state authorities to intervene promptly to quell the ongoing hostilities and find a lasting solution to the violence between cattle keepers and herders.
“We deeply regret the unfortunate resurgence of violence in Wau County. We condemn any loss of life or property resulting from the conflict between cattle keepers and farmers,” he said. “There are conflicting accounts from the county commissioner and the SPLA-IO Division 6 A. According to the commissioner, it involves cattle keepers, while the SPLA-IO spokesperson presents a different perspective. This contradiction in information creates confusion regarding the number of casualties and the extent of cattle raiding.”
Amidst escalating tensions and mutual accusations, the activist called on both sides to provide transparent and accurate information to the public to facilitate a lasting resolution to the conflict.
“There is an urgent need for immediate intervention from the state authorities to deescalate the situation at the state level and we must engage in dialogue with both farmers and cattle keepers within Wau County,” Robo emphasized.
He highlighted that the Wau County community rejected the resolutions of the 2022 Marial-Bai agreement.
“The Marial-Bai agreement which aimed to resolve conflicts between farmers and cattle keepers was declined by the communities in Wau County,” Robo explained. “They cited the presence of armed opposition forces in Wau County and their concerns that the agreement, particularly its prohibition on cattle keepers carrying firearms, would not be enforceable.”
The activist also warned that the involvement of Wau communities in such acts of violence, including killing and cattle raiding, would heighten insecurity impede free movement in the area, and disrupt agricultural activities.
He called on all residents of Wau, regardless of their affiliation as farmers or cattle keepers, to collaborate in finding solutions to the conflict without exacerbating tensions along tribal lines.
However, Wau County Commissioner Wajoki disagreed with Robo and described the activist as an NGO with no authority to comment on security matters in the county.
“NGOs are not allowed to discuss security issues. Their mandate focuses solely on development and humanitarian efforts,” he stated. “Who is he to address security matters? His remarks suggest opposition to the governor.”
Wajoki refuted Robo’s claim that the conflict in Wau County was solely between local farmers and cattle keepers.
“He (Robo) provided inaccurate information by asserting that the conflict involved only cattle keepers and local farmers because, in Wau County, no farmer possesses firearms. The forces involved in the clashes with the cattle keepers belong to SPLA-IO, contrary to Stephen’s claim that they were local farmers,” he said. “He holds no responsibility for security matters in Wau County and only the commissioner is mandated to address security issues, as per the Local Government Act.”
The commissioner threatened to summon the activist over his statement on security matters in Wau County.
“In two days, we will summon him, issue a warning, and hold him accountable for any future statements and our warning will absolve us of any responsibility for his actions,” Wajoki ended.