Mundri farmers wary of the presence of cattle herders

By Adia Jildo

Several farmers in Mundri County of Western Equatoria State are worried over the huge presence of cattle herders which may disrupt the planting season.

Alex Daniel Digi, the press secretary of the Governor of Western Equatoria State, Alfred Futuyo Karaba issued 7-day ultimatum for cattle herders to return to their area of origin.

 “When the cattle are passing, they pass through farms and destroy crops, and when the farmers complain the herders become aggressive,” Digi told Juba Echo on Friday.

 He said such violent incidents forced the Governor to expel the cattle herders.

The affected farmers are in Bongolo, Kotobi and Gulu payam where cattle herders have settled.

“Some cattle herders have responded positively to the order. There are some who have crossed to the side of Rumbek. The Governor will not move out of here until the evacuation is complete,” Digi said.

The cattle herders arrived in Western Equatoria State in February in search of greener pasture in the wake of floods displacing thousands in Jonglei last year.

Digi called for dialogue between the host communities and cattle herders to resolve differences that may arise peacefully.

In 2021, President Salva Kiir Mayardit issued decree ordering all cattle herders to vacate Greater Equatoria region, but the directive has been fully heeded to by cattle herders.