KUAJOK – Authorities in Warrap State are due to hold a peace conference aimed at addressing cattle raiding and communal violence experienced in the region.
The move comes in the wake of an incident in which 11 people were killed when unknown armed men attacked a cattle camp in Gogrial East County on Sunday.
Warrap State Information minister, William Wol Mayom told Sudans Post on Tuesday that another cattle raid occurred at Wuntur in the Lou-Ariik community.
“On March 16, an attack occurred at Wuntur in Lou–Ariik community where 20 heads of cattle were raided and 1 person while trying to recover his animals. On March 17, there was the Manyang-ngok incident of Tonj South where 64 heads of cattle were raided by suspected youth from Cueibet of Lakes State,” said Wol.
He said efforts by the Tonj County commiissieoer to recover the animals failed.
Wol said they are coordinating with Unity State authorities to ensure the peace conference tackles communal violence and cattle raids in among communities.
“We are pushing our peace partners to make sure that this peace conference is implemented. On the side of Lakes State, it is too soon because the United Nations has responded for the Makuach and Luany-Jang peace conference that will also address some parts of Tonj South and Cueibet counties,” he stressed.
Wol emphasized the conference seeks peaceful co-existence in communities.
The exact dates of the conference will be communicated later, he concluded.
Cattle raids and killings in parts of South Sudan present a major challenge to the government. In recent years, however, attempts to disarm the civilian population have been unsuccessful.
