(JUBA COUNTY) – The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, has opened a three day peace conference in Kuda, Dolo Payam, Juba County, aimed at addressing tensions between cattle herders from Terekeka and farming communities in Juba County.
The meeting, which began on Wednesday, was organised by the Commissioners of Terekeka and Juba counties with financial support from the State Government. It is held under the theme Promoting peaceful coexistence among herders and farmers.
Governor Mujung praised both county authorities for bringing together chiefs, women leaders, youth representatives and farmers alongside cattle herders to discuss ways of ending recurring disputes. He stressed that the State Government will continue to back such community driven peace initiatives in line with the President’s directives on security and stability.
He urged participants to be frank in raising grievances but also to embrace reconciliation and forgiveness. He warned that agreed resolutions must be implemented collectively and that individuals who violate agreements should be held accountable under constitutional or traditional law.
The State Minister of Peace Building, Jacob Aligo Lo Lado, highlighted the worsening relations between farmers and herders, saying urgent collective action was needed to rebuild trust.
Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete Ezbon pledged to work closely with his Terekeka counterpart, pointing out that the participation of all 13 chiefs from Juba demonstrated unity of purpose.
Terekeka Commissioner, Dr. Emmanuel Loku Lodu, promised firm action against those who destroy farms and pressed for tighter regulations in cattle camps.
Salah Rajab Bunduki, Chairperson of the Yangwara Community, encouraged both sides to agree on grazing corridors and water points, as well as practical measures to prevent crimes linked to armed herders.
Wani Buyu, Acting Chairman of the Mundari Community, also reaffirmed support for peace efforts, urging communities to condemn the wrongdoing of individuals without blaming entire groups.
The conference attracted local leaders, cattle camp heads, religious figures, State officials and representatives from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The gathering is expected to produce joint commitments on land use and security arrangements that could reduce violent clashes.
For South Sudan, where agriculture and livestock remain central to livelihoods, improved relations between farmers and herders are seen as critical to protecting local investment, food security and community stability.
