Cross-border trade resumes between Lakes and Unity states

November 6, 2014 (RUMBEK) – Residents of Lakes state’s Rumbek Central county and Unity state have resumed normal business operations over the past two weeks.

Lakes state chiefs in Amonyping payam (district) have confirmed that cross-border cattle trade had resumed peacefully.

One chief, who requested anonymity, said Lakes state communities remained deeply dissatisfied by state government policies and would continue to defy orders not to cooperate with Unity state.

“We have collectively refused state government instructions that we should fight Unity state. We ask the state government if we fight Unity state, what would we benefit? We cannot fight them because those Nuer are our brothers and we [have] had [a] long history,” he said.

“We [are] trading in various things and we have accommodated thousands of Panyjiar people who fled clashes in Unity state; we must support them and protect them if any threat could rise,” he added.

William Nyuon, commissioner of Unity state’s Pinyjiar county, recently paid a visit to thousands of Nuers who sought refuge across the border after fresh clashes erupted between government and rebel forces in Unity state.

According to Nyuon, relations between Lakes state and Unity state have remained peaceful since the crisis erupted in mid-December last year and would not be affected by political interests.

Thousands of Nuers currently occupy areas in Amongpiny payam and Nyang in Yirol East after fleeing clashes in Mayendit, Pinyjiar and Mayom.

Nyuon says the reception from Lakes state communities has been welcoming.

“We have intermarriage and we don’t have problems … we need free movement and we must walk free,” Nyuon said in a speech to thousands of Nuer in Amonyping.

(ST)