Lakes and Warrap agree to return looted cows to each other

April 1, 2013 (RUMBEK) – South Sudan’s states of Warrap and Lakes held a Peace and Reconciliation forum on Saturday in the latter’s Cueibet County where both sides agreed to end the cycle of cattle raiding between groups either side of the border.

The event was attended by officials from Lakes state’s, Tong South, Cueibet, Rumbek North and Tonj East, all of which have suffered from cattle raiding since South Sudan’s independence in 2011.

The Lakes, Warrap and Unity state border has long been tense due to cattle raids, which the government is now trying yo clamp down on.

A Speaker of the Lakes State Legislative Assembly, John Marik Makur, said that the meeting over Easter weekend was very successful and he encouraged the two states to continue engaging with their young men to sustain a spirit of peace.

In Saturday’s meeting both sides agreed that all looted cows to be returned to their owners.

As well as being attended by lawmakers from Warrap and Lakes state, the meeting was also attended by women’s representatives and traditional leaders.

Cueibet County is located in western part of Rumbek the capital of Lakes state. The county is inhabitant by Gok Dinka of Lakes State.

(ST)