Communities of Mvolo County in Western Equatoria State are worrying about many cattle in their territory coming from Lakes State, according to the Catholic Radio station in Yambio.
Mvolo County Press Secretary Bede Claudio told Anisa Radio that a big number of cattle keepers from Rumbek East crossed to the area with many heads of cattle and guns, causing fear and panic among the communities.
The local official said county authorities on Monday met and formed a committee to tell the cattle keepers to stop seven miles away from Mvolo town. He added that the people of Western Equatoria were not against anybody or free movement, but expressed concern that cattle keepers could cause insecurity.
Besides the normal cattle migrations, recent conflicts in South Sudan have caused several unusual migrations of pastoralists. Major raids between Warrap and Unity, in some cases involving defected organized forces, were the most publicized incidents, but there have also been less noted movements.
For example, earlier this month it was reported that there were clashes near Nimule between Madi community and Dinka bringing their livestock to sanctuary from Jonglei, where fighting had made their territory too insecure. There were also unconfirmed reports of Dinka Bor herders in the Rokon area to the west of Juba.
Photo: A South Sudanese policeman walks in the outskirts of Mvolo, 75 miles from Rumbek in the Western Equatoria State, 14 January 2014 (AFP/Phil Moore)
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