Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba addresses residents of Kotobi Payam, Mundri West County over disputes between farmers and cattle keepers in the area. June 8, 2023. | Photo Credit: Governor's Press Unit/Facebook

The government of Western Equatoria on Thursday asked cattle herders who migrated to Mundri West County to leave the state in seven days, following disputes with local farmers.

The ultimatum comes after Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba held a meetings with the farmers and cattle keepers to resolve their disputes in Mundri West on Tuesday June 7.

Alex Daniel Digi, Press Secretary in the office of Governor Futuyo said conflict emerged in the area when locals protested the presence of cattle keepers, allegedly coming from Lakes State.

He said the natives complained that the cattle keepers are destroying crop farms.

“When the governor arrived here, in Mundri West, he decided to call for the cattle keepers and the farmers so that they sit and see how they can resolve the dispute happening between them,” Digi said.

“The farmers raised the issue that there are cattle coming to destroy their crops, and that when they tried to talk to the cattle keepers, it turned violent and they started to fight with them.”

Following the governor’s visit, he reportedly ordered the cattle herder to vacate the area and return to the places of origin.

“During the discussion, the governor came with an order that since it is the cattle who are destroying crops, the cattle keepers shall leave the state together with their cattle so that people live in peace.”

“That is why the governor came up with this order giving seven days to the cattle keepers that they should leave.”

According to Digi, the cattle keepers’ State accepted the order to leave the areas of Kotobi, Baraoul Bangolo, and others.