Pastoralists start leaving Eastern Equatoria, Gov. Lobong says   

JUBA – The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State of South Sudan, Louis Lobong said cattle keepers from restive Jonglei state have started leaving the state to their home of origin.

Governor revealed this on Wednesday during his summon by council of state to explain insecurity related to cattle raiders in the state.

“As we speak now, most of the cattle have already left Eastern Equatoria State, particularly those that were in Acholi corridor,” Lobong said.

Lobong urged cattle keepers in Madi corridor to leave the area with immediate effect.

“We still have cattle in Mugali, Melijo, Nimule and Ashwa of Madi corridor,” Lobong said.

He said the state government will continue to engage stakeholders to explore modalities of peaceful, sustainable and lasting solution to cattle related issues.

“I held talk with Governor of Jonglei State and the leaders of Bor community on important of controlling the movement of the cattle within the state,” he said.

There has been a growing outcry from farmers in Equatoria region that cattle have been destroying crops, the only source of livelihood for farming community.

Conflict erupted in March this year after herders from Jonglei State arrived in the country’s southern-east to graze their animals on lands used by farming community.

In 2015, President Salva Kiir Mayardit ordered the evacuation and return of cattle roaming Central and Western Equatoria, an order which has not yet been implemented.