The cattle keepers of Warrap and the farming communities of Western Bahr el Ghazal states have embarked on implementing the Marial Bai Agreement to resolve issues related to the movement of cattle between the two sister states.

The Marial Bai Agreement issue came after the peacekeeping mission and the government of the two states started convincing the communities to abide by the agreement to mitigate the risks of clashes between the communities.

The agreement was the first systematic agreement on seasonal cattle movement between Warrap and Western Bahr-el-Ghazal that became effective in 2016. It regulates compensation, resource allocation, and procedures for the mobile courts meant to settle conflicts between cattle keepers and farmers.

The Chief of the Pagol Community of Tonj North, Warrap State, Ayii Agiu Kuot, said that raising awareness by the peacekeeping state government on the agreement would produce good results for their cooperation as the communities in the two states.

 “This year, tensions related to the cattle migration decreased significantly, and we are hopeful that this trend will continue during the upcoming season and the agreement will bear good results for us,” Agiu said in the statement from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan seen by The City Review yesterday.

Meanwhile, one of the cattle keepers of Manalor Community, Mauut Akol Mayen, said that they were aware of the agreement, and they would abide by it in the forthcoming migration season.

 “We will use the mobile courts to resolve any issues that may still arise,” Akol said.

Joseph Dut, from the Kirik community, said that a lack of water, especially during the dry season for the cattle, could force them to relocate to another state.

“If we had sufficient water sources in one place, we would remain there and avoid the risk of conflicts inherent in the migration of our animals.

“I am hoping that the state administration and humanitarian partners can assist in establishing much-needed water points,” said Dut.

Mary Ngor said they have been targeted by violence related to the movement of livestock, and it was difficult to seek justice and preserve their rights.

The Civil Affairs Officer serving with the peacekeeping mission in Kuajok, Georgina Sarfo-Brobbey, said the communities’ efforts to maintain peaceful relations since the Wau conference were very important.

According to Georgina, the objectives of the recent five-day-long patrol were to educate Tonj North communities about the Marial Bai Agreement and to distribute copies of the resolutions of the agreement.

“It is also encouraging to see communities proactively discussing the use of special mobile courts to resolve conflicts that may still arise. I appreciate the mission’s ongoing assistance in ensuring a peaceful cattle migration season,” she said.