Western Equatoria State Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa has directed the commissioners of Mundri East and Mundri West counties to ensure that 30 recovered cattle belonging to the Mundari community of Central Equatoria State are returned to their rightful owners.
Governor described the move as an important step towards restoring trust and strengthening peaceful coexistence.
Speaking during a meeting with the two county commissioners in Yambio, Governor Rimbasa said the return of the recovered cattle forms part of wider efforts to resolve disputes arising from cattle theft and reinforce peace between communities.
“We need peace. The 30 recovered cattle belonging to the Mundari community should be handed back to their rightful owners, and those still holding stolen cattle should also return them,” Rimbasa said.
The governor also appealed to members of communities in Western Equatoria who may still be in possession of stolen cattle to surrender them voluntarily, stressing that reconciliation and lasting peace can only be achieved through cooperation, respect for the law, and a shared commitment to justice.
He said voluntarily returning stolen livestock would help ease tensions between neighbouring communities and support ongoing peacebuilding efforts in the region.
Governor Rimbasa further instructed the commissioners of Mundri East and Mundri West to continue working closely with local leaders and residents, urging them to listen to community concerns and remain committed to serving the public with humility and accountability.
He also tasked the commissioners with supporting efforts to trace and recover any remaining stolen cattle while working with local communities to prevent future incidents of cattle theft.
Cattle-related disputes have long been a source of tension in parts of South Sudan, often triggering communal violence, displacement and the breakdown of relations between neighbouring communities.
Authorities hope that the return of the recovered cattle will contribute to rebuilding confidence and encourage peaceful resolution of similar disputes.
The directive comes as state authorities continue to promote dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation as part of broader efforts to strengthen security and foster lasting peace across Western Equatoria State.
