E. Equatoria region governor calls to refrain from cattle theft

September 6, 2016 (JUBA) – Governor Louis Lobong of the newly created Namorunyang state in Eastern Equatoria, has called on the state youth to stop cattle theft or raiding from their neighbouring communities, including from across the Ethiopian border.

The top executive official of the state made the remark during the community meeting with residents in Kauto county on Friday. He also appealed to community and youths leaders to organize reconciliation process among different tribes.

Governor Lobong called on the communities in Kauto county to identify the Ethiopians’ cattle that were recently raided by suspected gangs from his state.

He said he had come along with members of the state parliament and chiefs from various sections of Toposa tribe in order to meet the population of Kauto county in regards to the question of cattle raiding between them and the populations of the county of Nyangtom.

He added that he was also in consultations with the chiefs and the citizens of Nyangchor and the community agreed that there was need to reconcile with the neighbouring community in Ethiopia which cattle have been raided and to return their cattle to them.

Lobong noted that the citizens also tasked them to carry out consultation with the Ethiopian government so that their previously stolen cattle by the Ethiopian community of Suruma should as well be returned to the Toposa.

“The meeting was very fruitful, we also touched [on] some other issues,” said governor Lobong.

Some local chiefs have welcomed the move, saying that they are ready to work together with the state government on peace initiatives.

(ST)