Gov’t urges Lakes, Unity governors to curtail cattle raiding tensions after clashes

JUBA – South Sudan’s national government on Friday urged the governors of Lakes and Unity states to address rising insecurity stemming from cattle raiding incidents.

The call comes after six people, including three soldiers, were killed and two others injured on June 19^th in an attack by suspected raiders from Unity State’s Panyijiar County.

Speaking to reporters following a cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Friday, deputy information minister Jacob Mijok Korok said the incident occurred when raiders stole goats from Yinhkar village in Lakes State’s Yirol East County.

According to Korok, Vice President Taban Deng Gai of the Infrastructure Cluster raised the issue of cattle rearing disputes between Lakes and Unity states during the cabinet meeting.

The Council of Ministers expressed deep concern about reports of youth mobilization in Lakes State seeking revenge for the recent deaths.

“There is tension,” Korok acknowledged. “Cattle raiding happened two weeks ago from Unity State to Lakes State, and there’s now potential mobilization by Lakes State youth seeking revenge.”

“The Council advised both governors to discourage such mobilization,” Korok continued. “Peaceful solutions are essential. We haven’t received reports of further casualties.”

In a separate announcement, Korok revealed the cabinet’s unanimous approval of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy framework.

According to him, this framework police “aims to create an environment conducive to promoting public-private partnerships and achieving socio-economic development in South Sudan.”

The framework is envisioned to bolster sustainable funding by attracting private sector investment.

“One of the goals of the PPP policy is to serve as a benchmark for a successful transition period, potentially leading to elections by the end,” Korok stated.

He elaborated that the policy aims to stimulate economic growth by facilitating new investment opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors, ultimately enhancing competition in public service delivery.

The policy was unanimously passed by the cabinet and directed to the Ministry of Investment for parliamentary approval.