FILE PHOTO: Former Mayor of Juba, Kalisto Ladu speaking to Eye Radio in an exclusive interview on Monday. Photo: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio

The conflict in Mangala Payam of Juba County in Central Equatoria state is not political, but rather intra-communal, the former mayor of Juba City Council has said. 

In recent weeks, the area witnessed deadly clashes between cattle herders and the host community, displacing thousands of locals.

Last month, Juba County Commissioner, Charles Joseph said the presence of cattle in the state territories is “politically motivated”.

Speaking to media on Tuesday 3rd January 2023, Kalisto Ladu was quoted denouncing the claim saying, the conflict in the restive area of Mangala is not politically motivated.

He called for an end to the killing of innocent civilians in Mangala.

Kalisto – who hails from the area – appealed for peaceful coexistence among the communities.

“The incident has no relationship with politics or Bari people against another tribe or against other people. This should be made clear because there is information going on that Bari does not want other people,” said Kalisto.

“Bari and all South Sudanese should coexist together but that is when there is respect for one another,

“If you want to peacefully coexist with someone, you have to come and first of all see how they live and request to live with them peacefully.”

Mid last month, at least three people were killed, and eight others wounded in Mongala following clashes between cattle keepers and the locals.

The conflicts between farmers and cattle keepers were rampant in some parts of Central Equatoria and Eastern Equatoria states last year.

This is despite several presidential and gubernatorial orders for herders to return to their places.