By Alan Clement
The commissioner of Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria, Pole-Pole Benjamin Olum, has revealed the state government has registered at least 7000 cattle in the area.
The commissioner added that the initiative is part of the government efforts to implement the president’s order that calls for repatriation of cattle herders.
Speaking to this outlet on Friday, Commissioner Benjamin revealed that the state government continue with the registration as well as pushing for the repatriation.
“Authorities in Magwi County had registered 23 kraals with an estimated 7,000 cattle” he said.
The commissioner appreciated some cattle herders for their quick response to repatriation and urged on those defying to cease from such acts.
“Two owners of cattle have already repatriated themselves and their cattle to Bor. They just put their cattle on the truck and moved, and these are the people we are appreciating,” he added.
The commissioner said while some owners had complied with the relocation directive, others were becoming increasingly resistant.
Benjamin revealed that some kraals are suspected of concealing themselves in mountainous regions outside Nimule, notably in Diu and Dome.
The commissioner expressed that authorities are actively working to verify their exact locations. as part of the broader repatriation initiative.
He added that a dedicated security committee has been established to register all kraals within and around the town.
Nimule Municipal Mayor Caesar Longa Fuli confirmed that the local authorities are working to implement the presidential order for all cattle to be returned to their states of origin.
“The cattle are here, and we want to execute the executive order of the president that all cattle must return to their state of origin. Even yesterday we had a serious meeting with the cattle herders,” Longa said.
However, the herders’ representatives criticized the process, citing a lack of proper coordination between the authorities and the cattle keepers.
Capt. Deng Leek, who spoke on behalf of the Bor cattle herders in Magwi County, noted that many families have been left to make arrangements on their own.
“No one has responded to our appeals for support. Families are now planning independently, especially since we have children here in Nimule. Each household is making its own decision; those with the means to leave are doing so, while others remain,” he stated.
He added that the cattle are willing to repatriate once the government intervenes with the necessary help, like the transportation and security along the routes during repatriation.
The Magwi commissioner said the matter has been referred to the state and national governments, as officials weigh how to deal with cattle owners resisting relocation while threatening state authority.
As the situation unfolds, Magwi County has already escalated the matter to the state and national governments.