Sudanese herders comprising Rezeigat from Sudan’s East and South Darfur states and Messiriya from West Kordofan State started arriving in South Sudan through border areas in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State in mid-February according to authorities and local peace monitors there.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj over the weekend, Abuor Gordon Nhial, the Minister of Peacebuilding in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, confirmed the arrival of the Sudanese pastoralists and their livestock in her state.
“The Rezeigat entered into Northern Bahr el Ghazal State via Aweil North and Aweil West counties and their last distention is Aweil Center County,” she explained. “Meanwhile, the Messiriya will graze in Aweil East County until they conclude the seasonal migration.”
For his part, Ton Garang, a peace monitor, confirmed that the Sudanese herders are advancing through the northern corridors of Aweil East and Aweil North.
“The Rezeigat have arrived in Mayom Angok, Jorbioch, and Achana in Aweil North County and Messirya are coming through Majok Yinhthiou and Yinh Papol corridors,” he stated.
Another local peace monitor, Makuei Geng, revealed that some of the Sudanese pastoralists were now in Kiir Adem in Aweil North County and Umuora in Aweil Center County.