Tore Chiefs: SSP 20 Million Was Ambororo Grazing Fine, Not Land Transaction

(YEI) – The Director of Tore Payam and the Head Chief have denied allegations that they sold communal land to Ambororo pastoralists, addressing community rumours during a meeting with the Yei River County Commissioner on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media following the meeting with Commissioner Jackson Sebit, the Payam Director clarified that no land sale had occurred. Instead, he explained that a financial settlement had been made directly between local community leaders and the pastoralist group as a response to damages caused by cattle grazing in the area.

“I didn’t receive any money from the Ambororo nomads,” said the Payam Director. “Local community members and some chiefs met the pastoralists and demanded a payment for allowing them to graze in Tore Payam. As government officials, we are not involved in such decisions.”

According to the official, the payment was meant to serve as a fine for damage reportedly caused by the Ambororo animals to farms, crops and property within the Tore area. However, he expressed concern that the funds were misappropriated.

“This money ended up in the wrong hands, was divided, and unfortunately the Payam administration received nothing,” he said.

The payment in question amounted to twenty million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), which is approximately 4,348 US Dollars at current exchange rates.

Chief John Dusman Njengo also addressed the issue, stating that it was a grassroots community decision to impose the fine on the Ambororo nomads. He emphasised that the funds were intended to support local development efforts in Tore Payam.

“The fine was meant for development. I urge all sons and daughters of Tore not to rely on rumours. They should visit the ground to verify facts and offer corrections where necessary,” Chief Njengo said.

Commissioner Sebit praised the community leaders for their transparency and reiterated the Yei River County Government’s commitment to resolving the situation through proper administrative channels.

The issue has stirred strong emotions in Tore, a community still recovering from past conflict and economic instability. Allegations of land sales to foreign groups often trigger public concern, particularly as disputes over land ownership remain sensitive across South Sudan.

The Ambororo, a nomadic group known to move through various parts of the country, have previously been linked to tensions in other communities over grazing rights and property damage.

Tore’s leaders hope their public statements will restore calm and encourage direct engagement from citizens to prevent misinformation.