By Hou Akot Hou
Yirol East County, Lakes State, South Sudan Livestock owners in the Aluel cattle camp are urgently searching for 29 calves that went missing two weeks ago, prompting appeals to neighboring communities for information.
According to the owners, the calves were released to feed on fresh green pasture but failed to return to the kraal (cattle pen). After exhaustive searching, the owners have involved local police and reached out to the wider public.
Thon Mabor, one of the herders, confirmed the prolonged, fruitless search efforts. “We have been searching for the calves, and nothing has materialized yet. All other cattle camps have been searched or visited as well, but nothing has come to fruition,” Mabor told this publication.
The loss has caused distress in the camp. Mabor highlighted the immediate impact, stating: “The issue is the lactating cows are mowing a lot, and people are on the search, including the local police who have been involved.”
Mabor specifically called on other residents in and around Yirol East, as well as the neighboring Mundari tribe, to help. “We are making the plea to other people in the state and the neighboring communities… to help us get these calves by tipping us off about any information,” he added.
The disappearance of the herd represents more than just a financial setback; it is a profound social and economic blow to the community. In South Sudan’s agro-pastoralist communities, livestock is the central pillar of livelihood.
Cattle are the primary source of wealth and capital, providing milk, meat, and other domestic resources. Critically, livestock grants prestige and serves as bridewealth, creating vital social networks that provide reciprocal assistance during times of hardship or crisis. Poorer households rely on building their herds as a primary strategy for economic security.
Furthermore, milk is an especially important food during seasonal shortages, providing critical nutrition for young children, and pregnant and lactating mothers. The social support systems created and maintained through livestock exchanges are difficult to quantify but hold immense significance in communities facing protracted conflict and market failures.
The owners of the Aluel camp remain hopeful that the public appeal will lead to the quick and safe return of the missing calves.