Map of Eastern Equatoria State. | Courtesy

In drought-hit Eastern Equatoria State, farming communities turn their frustration on local rainmakers as four ritualists have been murdered in the last three years over allegations that they failed to bring rain to withered crops.

When asked whether anyone can really make or block rain, Juma Ali Mohamad, a South Sudanese meteorologist, said rain is a natural occurrence and advised people to desist from believing in traditional rainmakers.

Ali, also the Head of the Weather Forecast Department at Juba International Airport stated that the only way to alter rainfall patterns is through a scientific process.

“They are beliefs, but humans do not have the ability to cause rain, whether it is through magic or magic, and there is no relationship between rainfall and the attempt of some to claim that they are capable of causing rain,” he told Eye Radio.

“Rain has preview properties. If the ground temperature reaches a certain level, this causes clouds to form, and these clouds fall in the form of rain.”

He made the remarks following a series of incidents in which people believed to have the power to make rain were blamed for droughts and killed by angry mobs in Eastern Equatoria State.

The meteorologist said human beings are completely incapable of making or stopping rain through magic or prayers while pointing out that the tropical interval fluctuates at certain times.

“The only way through which rain can form is the scientific method, following the same natural methods in forming rain, but he uses chemicals and sprays them in the air at a certain height that helps in condensation using an airplane.”

“These materials form clouds, and with a certain temperature, these clouds turn into rain and the rain falls scientifically.”

Between July 2021 and July 2023, at least four rainmakers were killed in the drought-hit Eastern Equatoria State.

These include a 43-year-old rainmaker who was buried alive by a group of youth in Mura Lopit, Lafon County in Eastern Equatoria State in July 2021.

In September 2022, A rainmaker identified as Augustino Molong was also killed by a mob, and his dead body was burned to ashes for allegedly failing to bring rain in Kideopo Valley in Ikotos County.

These were followed by the July 2023 killing of a 70-year-old man who was beaten by a mob for the same reason in Torit County.

Torit Commissioner Atari Jacob says villagers believe that the victim identified as Marcelo Ogwana performed witchcraft and averted rain in the drought-hit area.