KUAJOK – Authorities in Twic County of South Sudan’s Warrap State have announced a series of temporary restrictions aimed at addressing a surge in cattle theft and other criminal activities that have intensified in recent weeks.
The measures, which include the suspension of local courts and a ban on public gatherings, were adopted following deliberations by county officials over what they described as a worrying rise in insecurity—particularly during market days and court sessions when many residents leave their homes unattended.
Natale Nhial Deng, Executive Director in the Office of the Commissioner, John Marup, told Mayardit FM in Turalei that the directives are intended to prevent further losses of cattle and property.
“We have seen a sharp increase in cattle theft this week,” Nhial said. “Most of these incidents occur during the daytime when able-bodied men gather in markets or attend court sessions, leaving homes and livestock without protection.”
According to Nhial, the county government has decided to suspend operations of local judicial bodies—including bench courts and executive chiefs’ courts—for one week. The move is meant to ensure that more residents remain in their villages to guard livestock and property.
“If you go back home during the day, you may not find a single energetic person to protect the property,” he explained. “We have to act immediately to save what belongs to our people.”
In addition to halting court activities, authorities have banned gambling activities such as domino games and ordered local associations—including youth and women’s groups that frequently gather in large numbers—to suspend their meetings for a week.
The county says the restrictions will be reviewed once the security situation improves. Nhial noted that at least two recent incidents resulted in the loss of hundreds of cattle, with no information yet on their whereabouts. Residents have pointed fingers at neighbouring states, citing a long history of cross-border cattle raiding.
Chief Lual Bol Ajak of the local bench court welcomed the directive, describing it as a necessary step.
“This decision is difficult but important,” he said. “Cattle are being stolen in broad daylight because many young men are away at the market. We have to try this approach and see if it reduces the theft.”
Earlier this month, Twic authorities also considered other measures, including banning nighttime drumming, in an effort to contain insecurity. However, cattle raiding remains a persistent challenge not only in Twic but across Warrap State and neighbouring communities, prompting local observers to call for stronger intervention from the national government.
