South Sudan negotiates temporary relocation of pastoralists
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eye Radio
Illustrative image · Emre Akyol · Pexels · Licence PexelsWestern Equatoria and Central Equatoria states say they are ready to temporarily host pastoralists from drought-hit Lakes State, subject to agreements protecting farmers. The discussions are intended to regulate the movement of livestock and prevent conflicts with host communities, reports Eye Radio.
The governments of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria states say they are ready to discuss the temporary relocation of pastoralists from drought-hit Lakes State, subject to guarantees for farming communities. South Sudanese outlet Eye Radio reports that the two neighbouring states have called for rules governing the movement of herds.
Lakes State authorities raised the possibility of relocation after warning the previous week of water shortages and food insecurity, with some communities unable to cultivate their fields. The state’s Information Minister, William Koji, said formal discussions with neighbouring states had not yet taken place, although the issue had been raised at a meeting between the governors of Lakes and Central Equatoria.
Western Equatoria’s Information Minister, Noah, said his government was willing to negotiate conditions to prevent herds from entering fields. In Central Equatoria, the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, Naphtali Hassan, also said he was ready to discuss the issue, while citing crop damage and tensions linked to previous movements of livestock.
The proposal comes as Lakes State authorities have warned of a threat of famine linked to drought and lost harvests. Eye Radio reported the warning in an article about the drought in Lakes State.
