Makuei urges EES citizens to allow safe return of cattle keepers to Bor

JUBA – South Sudan information minister and government spokesman Michael Makuei Lueth has appealed to citizens in Eastern Equatoria state to allow safe return of cattle keepers to Jonglei state with no interruptions.

This comes after Makuei who is also the chairperson of Bor community directed Bor Dinka cattle keepers to leave Eastern Equatoria state following deadly attacks over destruction of crops.

Makuei made the call following a meeting with Eastern Equatoria state governor Louis Lobong Lojore had urged Eastern Equatoria state cattle keepers to leave the state to avoid the conflict.

“We appeal to the people of Eastern Equatoria to allow the herders to drive their animals peacefully, without any interruptions,” Makuei emphasized.

For his part, Governor Lobong directed local communities in Eastern Equatoria to give unhindered access to the herders to go back.

Lobong also appeal to political leaders from Eastern Equatoria State to go and sensitize their communities to give the herders maximum support and protection as they move their cattle back to Bor.

The Chairperson of Bor County Community in Juba Dr. Gordon Angok said “we are doing our best to ensure that these cattle keepers go back to Bor”.

“If moving the cows back from Equatoria will bring peace to the region, then we are for that”, Dr. Angok asserted.

In their meeting the leaders call for an end to cattle raids, revenge attacks and negative statements.

The leaders say the return process should be immediate and well-coordinated by all stakeholders.

The National Government is also gathering troops to escort the herders back to Jonglei State to avoid any delay of the return process.

Legislators representing Eastern Equatoria State in the National Assembly attended the meeting, and pledged to talk to their people to cooperate as the herders leave the area.

In recent weeks, cattle keepers, raiders and the host communities have been engaged in violent conflict that had led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

But, the Government says this turn of events must stop, as it exerts more efforts end the conflict once and for all.