The head of the United Nations peacekeeping operation in South Sudan, David Shearer, on Friday met with Governor of Jonglei Philip Aguer in Bor town where they discussed issues pertaining to peace between Dinka Bor and Murle tribes.
The pastoralist Dinkas from Jonglei and their Murle neighbours in Boma state have for long been wrangling leading to cattle raids and child abductions. The two sides signed a cessation of hostilities agreement in Juba last month.
Speaking to reporters in Bor after the meeting, Shearer said his meeting with Governor Aguer emphasized the importance of development projects to resolve the issue of cattle rustling and child abductions between the two states.
“Roads are very important for the increase in economic activities and trade and movement between different groups,” said Shearer.
He noted that some developmental issues have to be initiated so the two communities can have alternative sources of livelihood rather than cattle rustling and child abductions.
“We actually started addressing some of the underlying issues that we want to see developed in this region, so we will be taking this on and later date with the governor on how we can move forward and he is going to give us some idea on that,” he said.
The senior UN official further said he wanted to continue his visit to Boma state where he will hold similar discussions with the relevant authorities there.
“This afternoon, I will be going over to Pibor and mentioning the same sorts of things there so that we can build a better relationship,” he said.
For his part, Jonglei governor Philip Aguer Panyang expressed his concern over the latest incidents of killing and child abduction in his state despite the cessation of hostilities deal signed with Boma authorities recently.