Sudanese nomadic tribes in southern White Nile State have expressed concerns that ongoing armed conflict in South Sudan, particularly in Upper Nile State, could jeopardize their livelihoods.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday from the southern part of White Nile State, herders said they do not want to risk their lives and cattle by crossing to Upper Nile State.
“The security situation there is not stable despite the agreement on cessation of hostilities owing to uncertainty over grazing sites for our cattle in Upper Nile State,” a herder said.
Sudanese herders had signed an agreement with the authorities in Upper Nile allowing them to graze their cattle. They typically migrate to the area seasonally when water sources and grasslands dry up in their own territory.
Ali Rahma, a leading tribal figure in southern White Nile State said they are in a dilemma due to the crisis in South Sudan. “We already paid a transit tax to authorities in Upper Nile but the nomads are now too scared to cross to Upper Nile State,” he said.
The nomad leader called on the rival parties in South Sudan to adhere to Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and implement its terms in good faith for the betterment of people in South Sudan as well as the bordering communities.
File photo: A north Sudanese herder in Maban County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan (Radio Tamazuj)