Cattle Diplomacy: South Sudan Transfers 60 Cows to Masseria Arabs in Reconciliation Gesture

(TWIC COUNTY) – A peace building initiative between communities in South Sudan and neighbouring Sudan has taken a major step forward with the official handover of 60 heads of cattle to the Masseria Arab community of Awalad Kamil.

The event held on 31 July 2025 in Twic County aimed at strengthening reconciliation efforts and fostering peaceful coexistence across the border.

The cattle transfer ceremony was led by Twic County Commissioner Hon. Mabior Marup, Brigadier General Maruon Ngor Makuac and Hon. Majang Ayuel Nyuol, who chairs the Twic-Masseria Peace Committee.

They were joined by senior political and cultural figures including Hon. Mawien Piok Deng, the SPLM Secretary General for Twic County, and Hon. John Garang Mabior Ater, Warrap State Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports. Minister Ater represented Governor Ambassador Bol Wek Agoth, who regularly delegates youth related matters in Twic to him.

The 60 cattle symbolise a significant gesture of reconciliation between the two communities. The donation is part of ongoing grassroots peace efforts aimed at reducing tensions, ending cycles of revenge related cattle raids and promoting dialogue based conflict resolution.

In their remarks, local leaders emphasised the importance of peaceful relations and mutual respect between the Twic and Masseria communities. They called for an end to abductions and cattle related violence that have long strained relations along the border areas between South Sudan and Sudan.

The leaders also praised the role of traditional peace committees, community elders and youth representatives in leading efforts to resolve disputes through non violent means. Hon. Majang Ayuel Nyuol described the cattle transfer as a vital symbol of trust, showing the commitment of the Twic community to a future grounded in stability and cultural respect.

Masseria leader Sadiq thanked the people of Twic for what he described as a courageous act of reconciliation. He commended the Twic community’s unique cultural approach to addressing criminal activities and promoting justice without inflaming conflict. Sadiq noted that such gestures send a strong message that peace and coexistence are still achievable despite the challenges posed by sporadic violence along the shared border.

The final phase of the cattle transfer is expected to follow in the coming weeks.

Cross border cattle raids and child abductions have remained a recurring source of tension between the Masseria Arabs and communities in Twic County. This initiative is part of wider efforts supported by local authorities to curb retaliatory violence and rebuild trust through community led strategies.