Agar cattle keepers have reached a consensus to graze their cattle in the Belle region and abide by the customary law of the Belle community. This decision, made during a peaceful gathering, is aimed at ensuring a harmonious grazing experience in the upcoming dry season, as the pastoralists search for pastures and water sources for their cattle.
In a meeting held on Tuesday, the communities of Belle and Agar, spanning four counties (Rumbek East, Wulu, Rumbek North, and Rumbek Center), collaboratively agreed upon and endorsed 17 resolutions. These resolutions encompass key aspects such as designating a viable route for cattle migration, implementing disarmament measures, and applying Belle community customary law to address instances where cattle keepers are found guilty.
Christine Kide Kenya, the Executive Director of Peace Canal, highlighted her participation in the annual cattle migration conference held in Lakes State’s Rumbek. The conference serves as a platform for Peace Canal and the five sections of the Agar community to discuss and strategize the upcoming grazing season.
According to Kide, the annual conference plays a crucial role in guiding both the communities and the government on how to navigate the challenges associated with cattle migration. The objective is to foster understanding, address potential conflicts, and seek government support in implementing the resolutions derived from these collaborative discussions.
Kide emphasized, “We bring communities together to discuss and also engage the government to support them by implementing the resolutions they came up with so that they can have a peaceful migration season without conflicts.”
She explained, “One of the persistent issues in Lakes State, particularly in the Agar community, is cattle migration. This conference has been instrumental in addressing conflicts related to cattle migration in Lakes State. We consistently hold an annual conference preceding the cattle migration.”
“The Wulu community of Belle has agreed to permit Agar cattle migration for grazing within their territories. They have also established a designated route for the movement of cattle during the migration period. Additionally, Agar cattle keepers have willingly accepted governance according to Belle community customary law while grazing in Wulu County. Both communities have jointly requested government intervention to lead in implementing these resolutions. The Agar community chiefs have also resolved to support the government’s continued disarmament efforts among the civilian population,” she added.
Sultan Majak Deng Mabok, the Executive Chief of Maleng-agok payam in Rumbek East county, stated, “We are currently engaged in a peace conference on cattle migration. This follows our last conference in 2022, and today’s discussions build upon the resolutions from the previous year. The conference, spanning three days, focuses on internal cattle migration within Lakes State. As a four-county conference, including Rumbek East, Rumbek North, Rumbek, and Wulu County, we have collectively agreed on strategies for cattle movement. Paramount chiefs from all four counties have signed numerous resolutions, addressing the coordination of cattle migration across the middle Toch, lower Toch, and upper Toch wetlands.”
He emphasized the necessity of government oversight in the cattle migration process, stating, “We have restricted the movement, and it should go through the government. It is the government’s role to decide on the cattle’s movement, not the cattle keepers. The government is responsible for determining how the cattle should be moved to maintain sustainable peace in Lakes State.”
Highlighting challenges faced, he identified issues such as water and pastures for cattle, which previously resulted in misunderstandings and conflicts between clans. These challenges have been successfully addressed. However, a new obstacle has arisen due to rising floods, leading to the displacement of more cattle from their original locations.
He explained, “Now, we have to sit and make resolutions, and these resolutions will guide our actions in 2024. Maybe in February 2024, the resolution will start to be implemented.”
The acting Governor of Lakes State, Isaiah Akhol Mathiang, underscored the unifying impact of cattle migration, stating, “Cattle migration brought together the counties of Rumbek East, Rumbek North, Wulu, and Rumbek Central.” During discussions among the four counties, crucial issues related to cattle migration, including the search for pastures and water, were addressed. Additionally, considerations were made on how to collaborate effectively with farmers.
“The cattle migration conference concluded with a resolution emphasizing the imperative need for peaceful coexistence between cattle keepers and farmers during the cattle grazing period. The aim is to prevent conflicts between cattle owners and farmers,” he stated.
He acknowledged that some counties dissent, expressing a reluctance to allow cattle movement onto their land without prior discussion to address specific concerns. In response to this, it was unanimously agreed that another conference is necessary, involving Rumbek North, Rumbek East, and Rumbek Center in February.
“We have agreed that there must be peaceful coexistence among the four (4) counties. It was also resolved that another conference should be convened in the next round, involving Rumbek Central, Rumbek North, and Rumbek East counties,” he reiterated.
Jima Diffala Rejab, the commissioner of Wulu County, highlighted the positive impact of Peace Canal in bringing together communities from the four counties to address cattle migration issues. The conference produced resolutions aimed at preventing conflicts, with active participation from women, youth, and chiefs.
“The women, youth, and chiefs have made strong recommendations for authorities to implement, ensuring peaceful coexistence, particularly among the communities of Wulu, Rumbek East, Rumbek Central, and Rumbek North,” Diffala stated.
He emphasized the importance of discussions with local leaders and communities to facilitate the implementation of the resolutions, envisioning a peaceful Lakes State in South Sudan through their proactive efforts.
Kuoi Majak, the Director-General of Lakes State Ministry of Peace Building, announced that the peace conference on cattle migration organized by Peace Canal had reached its conclusion. Attended by government officials, chiefs, and youth representatives, the conference aimed to address and find solutions to the challenges associated with cattle migration in the region.
“The resolutions have been finalized, with all four counties reaching agreement on 17 key points. One noteworthy resolution between Wulu and Rumbek counties pertains to cattle migration for grazing in Wulu land. According to this resolution, a seasonal migration plan will be initiated. The county commissioner of Wulu will draft a document and submit it to the counterpart commissioner in Rumbek. If the document is accepted, cattle will be allowed to move to that area; if not approved, no cattle will be permitted to move. This represents a significant decision,” explained Majak.
He elaborated on the second resolution, stating that any individual attempting to steal cattle will be handed over to government authorities for appropriate action. This underscores a commitment to addressing theft and ensuring legal consequences for offenders.
“The third resolution highlights the prevailing peace in the region, acknowledging that with peace, there is a lingering issue of poverty. In response, they are actively combatting poverty and are seeking support from the State government or Peace Canal to provide tools and equipment. Finally, they resolved to remain unified as one community, promoting their collective identity and working towards the preservation and enhancement of peace,” Majak concluded.
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