Tore Residents Call for Action on Cattle Invasions and Road Ambushes

(YEI) – The Tore Community in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State has appealed to the State Governor, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, to intervene urgently in resolving a range of growing challenges affecting their area, including insecurity, poor infrastructure and lack of essential public services.

The concerns were presented on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by community leaders to the Governor in the State capital. According to the delegation, ambushes by armed groups have become frequent along the Yei–Tore road, making travel dangerous and limiting access to markets, education and healthcare.

The community further raised alarm over what they described as the unchecked presence of armed cattle herders from the Terekeka, Dinka Bor and Ambororo communities. These groups are reportedly allowing their livestock to graze freely in Tore, damaging farmland and local vegetation.

In addition, residents expressed frustration that ongoing wildlife conservation efforts in Lantoto National Park are being carried out without involving or consulting the local communities. They warned that excluding the community could fuel tension and hamper peaceful cooperation around conservation activities.

Mujung responded by acknowledging the grievances and promised to work with relevant authorities to improve security and service delivery. He urged local communities to work together with the government in promoting peace, unity, and development throughout Central Equatoria.

Ali Hassan Juma, Chairman of Tore Community, congratulated the Governor on his appointment and affirmed the community’s support for his leadership. However, he stressed that the worsening road conditions and cattle encroachment demand urgent government intervention.

“We have seen the presence of many cattle in the Payam and we call on the Governor to intervene. The condition of the road from Yei to Tore Payam is very bad,” said Juma.

Hon. Victoria Nasra Augustino, a Member of Parliament in the Council of States, also attended the meeting. She highlighted the critical health challenges in the area, noting the absence of operational health centres and clean water sources.

“Women in the area are at serious risk, especially during labour, because there is no hospital,” she said. “There is also no clean water, as all the boreholes in the area have broken down.”