Tore Community Petitions Yei County Commissioner Over Ambororo Pastoralists and Illegal Payments

(YEI) – Leaders from the Tore Payam community in Yei River County have formally petitioned the County Commissioner, Hon. Emmanuel Taban Seme, requesting the urgent evacuation of Ambororo pastoralists from their area. The petition was delivered on Tuesday during a meeting in Yei, led by Tore Caretaker Chairman Michael Taban Lamowa.

The petition expressed serious concern over the continued presence of Ambororo herders in the area and called for immediate action to remove them. Community representatives highlighted growing tensions linked to land use and security, which they believe have worsened due to the settlement of these pastoralists.

In addition to their concerns about land encroachment, the community also raised allegations regarding unauthorised financial transactions. According to their statement, local leaders were cited in a public meeting held by the Tore Academic Association in Goli on 24 May 2025, chaired by Rt. Rev. Levi Marindulu Yepete, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Yei. During that meeting, the Payam Director of Tore reportedly confirmed that several individuals received large sums of money, part of which was allocated to the Payam office.

The community described this confirmation as deeply troubling and stated that it had prompted widespread concern among residents in Tore, Yei, and even Juba. As a result, they demanded an immediate investigation into the individuals named, including the Payam Director, the Head Chief, and the Military Commander based in Tore.

They stressed that the land of the community is not a matter to be negotiated without broad consensus. They further requested the Commissioner to consider issuing local administrative orders and forming a dedicated committee to meet with all cattle herders operating in Yei River County.

Michael Taban Lamowa, the caretaker chairman of Tore, thanked Commissioner Taban for his willingness to receive and consider the petition. He pledged the community’s full cooperation with both the state and national governments to support peaceful and inclusive development in Tore Payam.

Commissioner Emmanuel Taban, in response, expressed appreciation for the community’s engagement. He assured them that the Yei River County government remains committed to addressing the concerns raised and would take necessary steps to examine the matter thoroughly.

Issues Raised in Tore Community Petition