The authorities in Jonglei State have sounded an alarm over a disturbing rise in violent cattle rustling, particularly in Uror County, attributed to armed criminals suspected to be from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
The situation has worsened dramatically over the past four months with multiple incidents leading to deaths, abductions, and injuries which pose a threat to local communities who now live in fear.
Jonglei State Minister of Information Nyamar Lony reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dialogue with officials in neighboring GPAA to attain peaceful coexistence.
Despite these incidents, we will continue our peace conferences to foster lasting relationships between our communities,” Lony stated.
Recent reports reveal a grim toll, including a deadly shooting on 4 June in which Makuach Majiek Liep, 35, was shot in Partet. The frequency of cattle raids has intensified, with a particularly alarming incident on 17 September when 24 cattle were stolen from Partet Village, though they were later recovered. Tragedy struck again on 24 September when an ambush between Pajut and Poktap claimed the lives of three men, and a 21-year-old woman, Nyahol Puot Gokgok, was abducted.
Uror County officials are urging immediate intervention from the GPAA to apprehend the criminals and ensure the safe return of abducted individuals.
“We strongly urge the GPAA to take decisive action against these criminal elements,” emphasized the commissioner’s office, echoing the resolutions from the Pieri Peace Conference of March 2021 which called for peaceful coexistence.
The violence continued unabated, with a recent cattle raid on 21 October leading to a confrontation on 24 October that left three dead and seven wounded as local youth attempted to recover stolen livestock. The total casualty count now includes at least four confirmed deaths, alongside injuries and persistent threats to community safety.
In response, GPAA Information Minister Oleya Akuer Nyaluth said they lacked information regarding recent attacks but emphasized ongoing peace mobilization efforts.
“We conducted two peace campaigns in July, discussing with traditional and youth leaders the need to curb violence and abductions,” he said, adding that another peace conference is scheduled for December in Juba.
Despite numerous goodwill agreements aimed at reducing violence, cattle raids and child abductions remain pervasive issues in Jonglei and the GPAA, prompting urgent calls for effective solutions and collaborative efforts to restore peace in the region.
