Delegations from Warrap State, Northern Bahr El Ghazal (NBeG) State, and Western Bahr El Ghazal (WBeG) State have convened in Wau for the Annual State Pre-Seasonal Cattle Movement Conference.
The three-day forum aimed at promoting peaceful cattle migration and strengthening coexistence among pastoralists, farmers, and host communities across the Greater Bahr El Ghazal region.
Opening the conference on Wednesday, UNMISS representative Adewuyi Adewumi urged participants to prioritize tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
He reminded delegates that South Sudanese share a common identity and destiny, stressing that cattle migration should be managed in a way that protects lives, livelihoods, and community relations.
Adewumi reaffirmed UNMISS’s continued support to peacebuilding initiatives that reduce communal tensions and enhance stability at the grassroots level.
Representing the government of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, Bol Akoon Akoon expressed appreciation to UNMISS for facilitating the dialogue and bringing the states together.
He reiterated his state government’s commitment to supporting the outcomes of the conference and ensuring that resolutions reached are implemented on the ground in collaboration with local authorities and community leaders.
Aluel Garang Garang, the Deputy Governor of Warrap State, emphasized the need for peaceful cohesion among cattle keepers and farming communities.
She noted that seasonal cattle migration is a longstanding practice that should not be a source of conflict, but rather an opportunity for cooperation, mutual respect, and shared benefit.
She called on delegates to place community interests above individual or political considerations.
Governor of Western Bahr El Ghazal State, Sherif Daniel Sherif, highlighted the importance of reviewing and harmonizing inter-state laws and administrative arrangements governing cattle movement.
He urged delegates to actively participate throughout the three-day discussions and assured the public of his government’s readiness to implement agreed resolutions in the interest of peace, unity, and stability across the region.
The conference is expected to focus on reviving and reinforcing the Marial Bai Agreement, a key framework designed to regulate cattle migration, protect farms and water points, and prevent clashes between herders and host communities.
Participants will also discuss early warning mechanisms, the role of security forces, compensation procedures, and the responsibilities of cattle owners and community leaders.
Organizers say the outcomes of the Wau conference will be critical in reducing seasonal violence, safeguarding livelihoods, and strengthening inter-state cooperation as communities prepare for the upcoming migration season.
Supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the conference brings together state officials, traditional leaders, security representatives, youth and women leaders, and community elders to review cattle movement routes, grazing arrangements, and dispute-resolution mechanisms ahead of the seasonal migration period.
As discussions continue, stakeholders have expressed hope that renewed commitment and collective action will translate into lasting peace and harmonious coexistence across Greater Bahr El Ghazal.
