Governor Orders Return of Recovered Cattle to Ease Inter-Community Tensions
By Patricia John
The Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, has directed the County Commissioners of Mundri West and Mundri East to ensure the immediate return of 30 recovered cattle belonging to the Mundari community in neighboring Central Equatoria State.
The directive was issued during a meeting in Yambio attended by the Commissioner of Mundri West County, Zelipha Dawa Justin, and the Commissioner of Mundri East County, Mathew Daite Bakhit.
According to state authorities, the 30 cattle were recovered after they were allegedly stolen by members of the host community from Mundari cattle herders during a recent cattle-related conflict between the two communities.
Governor Rimbasa emphasized the need for the commissioners to facilitate the safe return of the recovered livestock as part of ongoing efforts to restore trust, reduce tensions, and promote peaceful coexistence between the neighboring communities.
The governor’s intervention comes amid continued efforts to address the aftermath of the conflict, which also saw more than 700 cattle belonging to the host community allegedly raided by suspected Mundari cattle herders.
Authorities say fewer than 50 of the stolen cattle belonging to the host community have so far been recovered, with security agencies continuing efforts to trace the remaining animals.
The latest directive is expected to support ongoing peace and reconciliation initiatives aimed at preventing further violence and strengthening relations between the communities in Western and Central Equatoria states.
