In a collaborative effort between Peace Canal, the Peace Building Opportunity, and the Ministry of Peace Building in Lakes State, a pre-cattle migration dialogue was recently held in Maleng-Agok Payam of Rumbek East County, Lakes State.
The event brought together cattle herders and farmers to foster peace and cooperation within the community.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, the Executive Chief of Maleng-Agok Payam, Sultan Majak Deng Mabok, said: “We have resolved to punish and imprison cattle herders whose animals grazed on farmlands.” Offenders in this category will face a six-month prison sentence and fines and must compensate for any damage caused to farms by their animals.
Furthermore, the dialogue reached a decision to address the issue of alcohol brewing in the area, with a particular focus on women engaged in this activity. Sultan Majak Deng Mabok emphasized, “Women found guilty of brewing local alcohol will spend three months in prison, pay fines, and contribute to farm restoration.”
In addition to these punitive measures, the dialogue participants committed to working together for peaceful coexistence and shared resource management. Sultan Majak elaborated, “We agreed to work against Gender-Based Violence, eradicate conflict-inciting songs, and conduct a mapping exercise for cattle migration.”
He also acknowledged concerns regarding rape and elopement within the community but clarified that the dialogue has taken a firm stance against such offences. “Those found guilty of raping girls and women are sent to prison, and the victims are provided with counselling,” he assured.
The Executive Chief revealed that the dialogue has already established fifty-two local laws, including specific guidelines for handling rape cases.
Anna Nyibol Manyang, a women’s representative in the dialogue, expressed her satisfaction with the progress made towards peaceful coexistence. She stressed the importance of this newfound harmony, citing the positive impact it has had on farming activities and overall community life.
Sultan Malual Polic, Paramount Chief of Mathiangkok Payam, echoed the sentiments regarding the resolutions. He emphasized the need for cattle herders to responsibly manage their livestock and avoid grazing on cultivated lands. Chief Malual urged women to cease alcohol brewing, warning that offenders will face imprisonment and fines.
Gordon Majuec Ayen, the area coordinator for the Peace Canal, highlighted the significance of these pre-cattle migration dialogues. He explained that they serve as a platform for communities to discuss and find common ground, enhancing peaceful coexistence and addressing issues like grazing lands, water points, and migration routes.
Zechariah Kuoi Majak, the Director General in the Ministry of Peace Building, emphasized the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between farmers and cattle herders. He discussed the challenges posed by cattle migration due to floods and the need for peaceful coexistence. Kuoi praised the community for embracing the resolutions and commended Lakes State Governor Rin Tueny Mabor for his role in promoting peace.
He also highlighted the role of Gelwong youth leaders, chiefs, and peace committees in monitoring and evaluating peaceful coexistence. Kuoi revealed that the community is ready to cooperate with disarmament efforts when the time comes.
These pre-cattle migration dialogues are part of a broader consultation process, with dialogues set to continue in Rumbek Central and Rumbek North counties. The Ministry of Peace Building oversees the peace initiatives, ensuring that the community’s acceptance of peace leads to positive outcomes like free movement, social interactions, and cattle camp amalgamation.
Kuoi also noted the effectiveness of early warning systems and the collaborative efforts to address issues such as cattle theft, which are gradually being resolved, leading to a return to normalcy in the region.
“We have early warning systems, and we have formed a peace committee from various Payams. For example, when an incident occurred yesterday (Tuesday), the peace committee was able to establish what happened and they were able to also calm the situation on the ground. We also have issues of cattle theft, but the government and the peace committee are working hard to address the issue and now the situation is returning to normal,” stated Kuoi.