Terekeka authorities handed over 11 cattle stolen from Mundri East to CES leadership |Courtesy

Authorities in Terekeka County and Greater Mundri have handed over a total of 41 stolen cattle as part of ongoing efforts to recover livestock raided during recent intercommunal conflict.

Officials said 11 cattle were returned in Terekeka, while 30 were handed over by authorities in Greater Mundri to Central and Western Equatoria State officials.

The cattle, recovered in Rokon Payam, were handed over under the supervision of Terekeka County Commissioner, Dr. Emmanuel Loku Lodu, and received by Central Equatoria State Deputy Governor, Paulino Lukudu Obede.

Obede described the move as a step towards rebuilding trust between the affected communities and called for continued cooperation to ensure all stolen livestock is returned.

Western Equatoria State Deputy Governor, Justine Joseph Marona, welcomed the development and pledged that cattle taken from affected communities would be returned.

The handover follows resolutions reached during a two-day peace conference in Rokon aimed at ending violence between communities of Terekeka and Greater Mundri.

Officials from Central Equatoria and Western Equatoria states said the meeting agreed on measures to recover stolen cattle, return displaced persons and restore peace and security.

“The meeting resolved that all cattle keepers have to return to their place of origin. All displaced persons must return home and rebuild their lives. All stolen cattle have to be returned to their rightful owners,” said Western Equatoria State spokesperson Mohamed Juma.

“Individuals responsible for the attacks will be identified and held accountable… Our forces are on the ground to protect those people, and some of the recovered cattle will be handed over,” he added.

Central Equatoria Information Minister Patrick Nyarsuk said authorities have already begun implementing the resolutions.

“The government of Western Equatoria received stolen cattle recovered by Central Equatoria government. We handed over 30 cattle in a few days as part of efforts to restore peace and strengthen coexistence,” he said.

“The chiefs have committed themselves to identify and hand over criminals to the government. Those found guilty will be taken to court,” he added.

In March 2026, violence between communities of Terekeka and Greater Mundri left more than 20 people dead, with cattle raided and hundreds displaced.

Authorities say the ongoing recovery of stolen livestock is part of broader efforts to restore stability and promote peaceful coexistence in the affected areas.