Jonglei seeks to resolve pastoralist migration conflicts after two-day meeting

JUBA – Officials in South Sudan’s Jonglei State have concluded a two-day meeting on Friday aimed at resolving conflicts stemming from pastoralist migration, a key issue threatening peace in the state.

The meeting, organized by the Jonglei State government in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), addressed the annual cattle migrations that have increasingly led to clashes between Jonglei State pastoralists and farmers in the Equatoria region.

Disputes over grazing lands, crop destruction, and water access have fueled tensions.

Jonglei State Deputy Governor Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, who led the meeting, emphasized the need for collective action to achieve sustainable peace. The event brought together national and state lawmakers, traditional leaders, cattle camp leaders, and youth representatives.

“The path to sustainable peace requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. The government, civil society organizations, international partners, and, most importantly, the herders and farmers themselves must work together to implement these solutions,” Juuk said at the meeting’s conclusion.

Juuk also stressed that the return of pastoralists to Jonglei State would improve security in the region.

“Let us ensure that we support the cattle keepers to come back home. Let all support them wholeheartedly, from the government to the community. We all have to cooperate and give them our support,” she said.

Bor County Commissioner James Ghai Makhor said the county was prepared to receive returning pastoralists.

“We will make sure that we welcome our people back home, and there are pastures nowadays in parts of Bor County, and we will make sure that we provide our own security,” Makhor said.

Cattle herder Ajang Achiek Mabil expressed readiness to return to Jonglei State but highlighted ongoing challenges.

“The reason that caused us to migrate from Jonglei State to parts of Equatoria regions is the flooding and the disease which are killing our cattle. We also went there to look for pastures,” Mabil said.

He called on the Jonglei State government to implement measures to control flooding during the rainy season.

The meeting, also supported by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), aimed to find solutions to the migration issues and foster peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and farmers.