The governments of Western and Central Equatoria states are willing to engage in talks with Lakes State regarding the temporary relocation of pastoralists due to worsening drought conditions. However, they emphasize the need for clear arrangements to protect farming communities. This development follows warnings by Lakes State authorities of possible water shortages and food insecurity after communities failed to cultivate crops.
Lakes State Information Minister William Koji stated that formal discussions with the two governments had not yet taken place, although the matter was raised during a meeting between the governors of Lakes and Central Equatoria states. The proposed relocation aims to help pastoralists cope with drought conditions in Lakes State, where concerns have been raised over access to water and food supplies.
Western Equatoria's Minister of Information, Noah, said his government was willing to consider the proposal if proper arrangements were established to prevent conflicts with host communities. He stressed that pastoralists would need clear guidance to prevent cattle from entering farms or causing disputes with local residents. Noah added that Western Equatoria is ready, and authorities involved will have a clear guideline regarding the movement of cattle to any of these states.
Central Equatoria State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency, Naphtali Hassan, said his government had not received formal communication from Lakes State but was prepared to discuss the proposal. Hassan expressed reservations over the movement of cattle, citing previous experiences involving damage to crops and tensions between pastoralists and farming communities.
Hassan noted that previous cattle movements had created challenges for farming communities, including damage to crops and tensions between pastoralists and farming communities. He emphasized that the government needs to agree on a modality of how this can be done while protecting the interest of their people.
The three state governments have yet to reach a formal agreement on the proposed movement, with consultations on relocation arrangements and the protection of host communities still pending. The relocation is intended to help pastoralists cope with worsening drought conditions in Lakes State.
The governments of Western and Central Equatoria states are cautious about the relocation, prioritizing the protection of their farming communities. They require clear guidelines and arrangements to ensure a smooth and conflict-free relocation process.
Key points
- Western and Central Equatoria states are open to discussions with Lakes State on temporarily relocating pastoralists facing drought conditions.
- The proposed relocation aims to help pastoralists cope with worsening drought conditions in Lakes State.
- The three state governments have yet to reach a formal agreement on the proposed movement.
