By Sabri Dibaco
Civilians in Western Equatoria State have expressed growing concern about the possible implications of removing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) previously signed between the former state government and the Ambororo pastoralist community.
The agreement, signed by the previous administration, was intended as a framework to regulate the presence and activities of nomadic cattle herders in the state. However, recent calls to cancel or review the MoU have sparked debate among communities about what such a decision could mean for security, farming activities, and peaceful coexistence.
Residents in several counties, including Yambio, Nzara, and Maridi, warned that removing the agreement without a clear alternative plan could create uncertainty and tension between farming communities and pastoralists.
“Our people depend on farming for survival. If there is no clear policy guiding the movement of cattle herders, our crops and livelihoods could be at risk,” said a resident in Yambio.
Members of the Western Equatoria State parliament recently submitted a bill calling on the state government to review and cancel the MoU, arguing that the agreement undermines local communities and security.
Lawmakers noted that residents in counties such as Ibba, Madebe, and Yambio have raised concerns about grazing land, farming activities, and the presence of armed herders in some areas.
James Teretizio, a local farmer in Madebe, said the movement of large cattle herds into farming areas has sometimes led to the destruction of crops, threatening food production and the economic survival of many families.
“Agriculture is the main source of our livelihood. It helps us pay our children’s school fees and survive the hardship. Most residents in Western Equatoria, particularly among the Azande communities, depend on farming,” Teretizio explained.
Historically, the presence of Ambororo pastoralists in Western Equatoria has been linked to disputes over natural resources such as grazing land and water. Previously, competition over land between nomadic herders and farming communities has contributed to tensions and displacement in some areas.
Following the parliamentary call, the governor of Western Equatoria State acted swiftly, announcing the cancellation of the agreement and pledging to maintain security across the state.