Governor Jadallah urges states to control armed herders

JUBA – The governor of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State, General Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, has urged neighboring states to control their respective armed cattle-herding communities to help curtail cattle-related violence.

In a statement addressed to Jonglei Governor and the Chief Administrator of Greater Pibor, Wani stressed the need for collaborative action to address the escalating violence.

He emphasized that Jonglei and Pibor should also take steps to manage their armed cattle herders.

“I request my two brothers, let us not allow this issue to continue, as it is already bringing problems to peaceful areas. South Sudan needs peace, and peace cannot coexist with violence,” Wani said in the statement seen by Sudans Post Friday.

This appeal comes after a deadly attack in Mogiri village of Juba County, which resulted in the killing of at least 22 people.

The attack involved gunfire, including PKMs and RPGs, and led to injuries on both sides as well as the theft of a significant number of cattle.

Wani, along with the leaders of Jonglei and Pibor, visited Mogiri to assess the situation and listen to reports from local officials.

Local officials claimed that armed youth from Jonglei had attacked Pibor cattle herders at a market in Mogiri.

Jonglei Governor Biel called for the disarmament of civilians, citing the widespread presence of arms as a security threat.

He urged the youth of Jonglei and Greater Pibor to abandon cattle raiding and denounce the culture of revenge killings.

“We know civilians are armed, and this should be a major concern. In Jonglei State, the presence of firearms among civilians outnumbers the government forces. As a country, we need to address this issue,” said Biel.

Chief Administrator Gola condemned the incident as unacceptable, highlighting the need for security forces to protect civilians and cattle traders in the area.

“As leaders, we must work together to prevent this from happening again. This should be the last time such an incident occurs. All security forces must do their part to ensure this issue does not recur,” he said.

“I received information yesterday evening that people were being transported from Mangalla to Mogiri with intentions to raid cattle,” Gola said.