BY DR. THON AGOK ADIER
Mogiri town, located 10 kilometers northeast of Juba City along the Juba-Bor highway, has become a hotspot for violence and lawlessness, particularly in cattle trading. Primarily inhabited by Murle cattle traders and a small number of Bari Community members, Mogiri is notorious for monitoring vehicles, especially those carrying Dinka Bor and Nuer travelers, leading to frequent attacks and a pervasive atmosphere of fear.
The Mogiri cattle market is a hub for the sale of stolen livestock, with cattle taken from various tribes—including the Nuer, Jie, Toposa, and Dinka Bor—traded openly. Victims of cattle raiding often find their stolen livestock here and are forced to negotiate under duress, sometimes at gunpoint. This not only deepens their trauma but also fuels intertribal tensions and cycles of revenge.
Stolen cattle are sold to traders from distant regions, creating a grim choice for victims; negotiate for the return of their cattle and risk retaliation or remain silent, knowing the criminals are armed. The lack of regulation in the market fosters an environment where fear and aggression dominate, transforming what should be peaceful transactions into opportunities for further violence.
The violence surrounding the Mogiri cattle market affects not just the Dinka Bor, but is a communal crisis impacting multiple tribes. The trauma of these transactions resonates deeply, reminding families of past losses and prompting desires for revenge that can lead to further conflict. Blaming only the Dinka Bor overlooks the broader context of intertribal tensions fueled by cattle theft, primarily by the Murle.
Despite efforts by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) to control violence with small outposts along the highway, the Murle continue their raids, demonstrating that current measures are ineffective. The Central Equatoria State Government’s approach has not addressed the root causes of the violence in Mogiri.
It is time for the national government to take decisive action. Closing the Mogiri cattle market is a critical first step in dismantling the illicit cattle trade and curbing the violence that has plagued Greater Jonglei and surrounding areas. Shutting down this market would disrupt the Murle youths’ ability to profit from stolen cattle and send a strong message that the government is committed to ending impunity and restoring justice.
Cattle theft and violence are not confined to one tribe or region. While the Murle are often blamed, the issue spans multiple ethnic groups including the Dinka Bor, Nuer, Toposa, Jie, Bari, Mundari, Peri, and Anyuak. This conflict not only affects South Sudan but also raises tensions in neighboring Ethiopia. To effectively address this crisis, the government must adopt a broader approach that recognizes the shared responsibility of all affected groups. Establishing clear regulations and systems for the recovery of stolen cattle is essential. These regulations should be enforced across all regions, including more accessible areas like Juba, where legal processes can be monitored effectively.
A centralized system for handling stolen livestock would help victims recover their property and deter future raids.
In conclusion, closing the Mogiri cattle market is not just necessary; it is urgent. This market is at the center of the violence and instability along the Juba-Bor highway. Its continued operation perpetuates lawlessness and revenge, claiming far too many lives. By shutting down the Mogiri cattle market, the government can take a significant step toward ending the violence, restoring order, and rebuilding trust among South Sudan’s communities. The closure of this market, paired with a clear legal framework for handling stolen cattle, will prevent further bloodshed and lay the groundwork for lasting peace. The government must act now to stop the cycle of violence before more lives are lost. The time to close the Mogiri market is now—South Sudan’s future depends on it.
The writer, Dr. Thon Agok, is a medical doctor and reproductive health consultant with over 14 years of experience working with the UN, International NGOs, and civil society organizations in South Sudan and beyond. He previously served as a freelancer for Sudan Mirror in 2003/2004 and also held the position of IEC Chairman for the Bor Community Youth Association (BCYA) during the 2023/2025 leadership transition, where he conducted credible and peaceful elections. He can be reached via thonagok2003@yahoo.com.
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