Pastoralists head to Bor as water crisis worsens

By Philip Thon Aleu

March 30, 2009 (BOR TOWN) – As part of inter-states agreement, Dinka-Bor pastoralists in Equatoria States are moving toward their territory despites dry season difficulties.

The major problem, they say, is water. “We are cannot refuse government argument that we return home, but the main issue is water,” Achiek Lueth, a pastoralist driving his cattle in hot sun told the Sudan Tribune at Bilnyang, about 8 miles east of Juba on Sunday March 29.

How far is Mr. Lueth claims? This is the question asked to the Sudan Tribune when visiting a nearby stream only to find muddy water with color is rapidly turning greenish. The cattle must struggle to drink since there is no option, Deng Chol says. “If they do not take water here, then they have to go without,” he said. Children were also competing with cattle water in this stream. The children dig walls using wood in order to obtain moderately clean water.

Vast herds of cattle belonging to Dinka-Bor fled to Central Equatoria State occupying Muduri and Maridi Counties before the peace was signed in 2005. As part of the efforts to end communities’ wangles, ignited by contrasting economical backgrounds, Jonglei, Central and Eastern Equatoria States agreed in February, 2009 for immediate repatriation of persons displaced there during the two decades civil war starting with the pastoralists.

According to the agreement, the former Internal Displaced Persons are to be facilitated back by United Nations agencies and States government in terms of basic needs including water. South Sudan army, the SPLA guards them on the way where wild raiders confront them on daily bases.

On Thursday March 26, armed raiders, allegedly Murle, briefly fired at the Bor pastoralists who repulsed them without casualties. The raid was also reported on Friday before reaching Jabor on Bor – Juba road. But nine kraals are still missing when Murle tribesmen raided a cattle camp over a week ago.

“We are not worried about the raiders because it is a common exercise,” Deng Chol said. “The main thing is water,” he added. Asked what could be the way forward, the pastoralists unanimously requested the governments at all level, to consider lifting forcible repatriation until May, 2009 when rains shall have started.

About 8am local time, cattle keepers start a journey that would end at about 4pm in the hot sunshine. There is no stream holding sufficient water during this season of the year on Juba – Bor road expect the River Nile.

The SPLA soldiers, guiding the movement back toward Bor, normally help to lift children on to their trucks. The soldiers also kill cattle for their feedings specially from group resisting the repatriation, the pastoralists complain.

(ST)