58 heads of cattle raided from Ngok Dinka tribe in Abyei have been returned after being recovered from Misseryia Arab herdsmen, raising hopes for peaceful coexistence between the two rival communities in the disputed territory of Abyei.
The stolen cows were recovered through Concordis International in collaboration with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and local leaders of the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka tribes.
Clifford Mbibzi, head of the United Nations resident coordinator’s office (RCO) in Abyei commended the effort, saying peaceful coexistence will definitely strengthen and enhance ties between the two communities.
“Without Concordis’ support to the joint community peace committee to facilitate dialogue, relocation of the peace market from Noong to Amiet and recovery of these heads of cattle would not have been possible. This is a commendable job,” said Mbibizi.
Stephen Mayuen Mou, representative of the Concordis International which facilitated the handing over of the stolen cattle on June 26, said the mission of the organization is to work towards the prevention and transformation of violent social conflicts.
“We do this by creating the stable conditions necessary for social and economic development, engaging hostile groups at community levels, and developing peace-building skills in communities where tensions run high,” he said.