Three governors reported today to the National Legislative Assembly on security issues in their states and pointed an accusing finger to cattle rustling.
The governors of Warrap, Lakes and Unity states where summoned after last week’s motion on the security situation in Tonj East County of Warrap State by MP Caguor Adong Manyang.Governor Nyandeng Malek Deliec of Warrap Sate told the House that her region has a long story of insecurity connected with cattle rustling.
She said the small pastoralist groups of Unity, Lakes and Warrap practice cattle rustling with the difference that today they use heavy guns and target women, children and elderly people.
Governor Chol Tong Mayay of Lakes State said his government tried to find out the root causes for insecurity in the area.
He said insecurity comes from cross border cattle rustling, revenge attacks, possession of firearm by civilians and delay in settling cases.
Eng Tong added that the state government organized some peace conferences in a bid to restore security across the state.
Governor Taban Deng of Unity State singled out cattle rustling as the main cause for insecurity.
He said historically Dinka and Nuer cultures are characterized by cattle raids but nowadays communities use guns and violence.
Some MPs asked the government to stop cattle rustling by promoting agriculture as an alternative source of income for the local communities.