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Jonglei herders to pay for destroyed Magwi farms, urge two-month stay

Author: Staff Reporter | Published: January 25, 2025

Jonglei herders meet Eastern Equatoria security committee. (Photo: social media)

Eastern Equatoria State Governor’s office said herders from Jonglei State have accepted to compensate damages to farms in Magwi County caused by roaming cattle, and requested to meet local community leaders to give them permission to stay there for two months.

On January 20, 2025, Magwi County commissioner Benjamin Pole-Pole said more than 70 hectares of farmland were destroyed by roaming cattle following an assessment ordered by the governor.

Pole-Pole confirmed that the new influx of nearly 10,000 herds arrived on January 18 through Iwire and Agoro payams, accompanied by heavily armed herders.

On January 23, Governor Louis Lobong led the state Security Committee to Magwi to further access the influx of cattle herders.

“The crucial visit is to investigate and address the concerns, regarding their presence in the area without government or community knowledge,” Lobong’s office said a statement.

It added that the government delegation held a meeting with the herders in reference to their presence in the area, and it was found that the herders were from Jonglei and are in search for water and pastures.

According to the state government, the uncontrollable movements of armed cattle herders has destroyed farms and local community members say theĀ  damages and intimidation by armed men will hinder agricultural efforts and lead to food insecurity.

“The herders accepted to compensate the damaged cause in the farms and requested to meet the community leaders inorder to have permission on temporary stay for a duration of two months,” it added.

Magwi County government and community representatives have been tasked to prepare and submit a report outlining the outcomes of the meeting to State Security Committee for further action.

 

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