Yei Bishop Calls for Peaceful Return of Raided Cattle

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Yei in Central Equatoria State has called on Mundari cattle herders to return livestock allegedly raided from local communities in Yei River County.

Residents and community leaders from Mapoko, Logo, Pisak, Minyori, Tokori, and Gimunu bomas in Otogo and Yei payams reported that more than 100 head of cattle—including cows, goats, and sheep—were raided last week by suspected armed Mundari cattle keepers.

Bishop Levi Marandulu Yepete said the continued raids are undermining efforts toward peaceful coexistence and disrupting farming activities in the area.

He emphasized that the church stands for peace, justice, reconciliation, and the well-being of communities across the county.

The bishop urged the Yei County government to engage authorities in Terekeka County, as well as Mundari community leaders residing in Yei River County, to peacefully resolve the issue.

“Cows and goats of the people here are being looted, and as church leaders, this is not good. My message to the Terekeka community leaders and the commissioner of Terekeka County is that over 200 cows have been looted. Our message as a church is that the looted cattle should be returned to their rightful owners because the people of Greater Yei are not involved in cattle raiding. What is happening here is not good,” Bishop Levi said.

He also called on the government to coordinate the peaceful relocation of Ambororo cattle herders from Yei to ensure harmonious coexistence within the area.

Additionally, Bishop Levi appealed to peacebuilding organizations operating in the county to urgently organize a dialogue between Mundari leaders and local Yei leaders to address the escalating tensions.

“My last message is that the office of the county commissioner should call the Mundari leaders in Yei for dialogue so that the looted cattle are returned to their rightful owners. I equally call on NGOs dealing with dialogue to convene a peace meeting between the Mundari leaders and community leaders in Yei so that this issue is addressed peacefully,” he added.

Authorities in Yei River County have yet to issue an official response.

However, last week the Central Equatoria State Security Committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Paulino Lokudu Obede, directed security agencies to coordinate the peaceful return of cattle pastoralists to their areas of origin.

The committee stressed that the relocation process must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with state resolutions aimed at restoring security, protecting livelihoods, and promoting coexistence between farming and pastoralist communities.