Cattle Raids Spark Joint State Response in Central and Western Equatoria

(ROKON, TEREKEKA COUNTY) – A high level government delegation has arrived in Rokon to calm inter-communal tensions and secure lasting peace between the Mundari and Moru communities, following a cattle recovery mission in Dolo Payam last week.

The team is led by the Co-Chair Security Advisor of Central Equatoria State and the Commissioner of Terekeka County. Their visit responds to the latest wave of violence and retaliatory cattle raids that have severely affected the region.

The security situation escalated after cattle were stolen from the Moru community in Western Equatoria, which then triggered counter-raids by armed youth.

Last week, on 26 June, the same delegation travelled to Dolo Payam to secure the return of cattle allegedly looted by armed pastoralists.

That mission sought to recover animals belonging to the Muru community of Western Equatoria State and the Mundari community of Central Equatoria State, following a peace consensus reached earlier.

During the Dolo Payam visit, the Co-Chair Security Advisor urged community leaders and youth to help reduce tensions and support the return of stolen livestock. Authorities also condemned false narratives that incite violence and distrust, and called on the public to ignore unverified information and avoid spreading rumours.

The Terekeka County Commissioner stressed that the looting and violence must stop:

“We are here to uphold the rule of law and return every cow to its rightful owner so our communities can live in harmony.”

The government repeated its zero tolerance policy toward criminal activity, warning that those responsible for looting will face prosecution.

Now in Rokon, the delegation continues its consultative mission to build on the Dolo Payam engagements.

Officials stated the joint initiative reflects a commitment by Central and Western Equatoria States to carry out peace building frameworks and follow presidential directives on cattle related conflicts.

Authorities have again urged the Mundari and Muru communities to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement.

The delegation is meeting local chiefs, youth and elders in Rokon to strengthen security and encourage dialogue aimed at lasting peace across the Equatoria region.