A Timely Gathering in Juba
More than eighty delegates from every county in Central Equatoria met in Juba for a two-day Farmers and Herders Conference. Organised by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization with IOM support, the forum addresses recurring clashes over grazing corridors and croplands.
Governor Mujung’s Five-Point Appeal
Opening the meeting, Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel urged participants to craft enforceable rules on cattle movement, empower chiefs, youth and women in mediation, revive local markets, curb political interference, and promote reconciliation. He called these steps “a blueprint for durable peace” (Eye Radio).
Voices for Truthful Dialogue
State Minister of Peacebuilding Jacob Aligo reminded delegates to “speak the bitter truth respectfully,” listen to understand, and focus on practical remedies rather than rancour. His caution reflected frustration with past meetings that ended in blame instead of actionable plans.
Faith-Based Perspective
Archbishop Dr. Paul Benjamin Yugusuk framed land and livestock as divine gifts meant to unite communities. He warned that allowing resources to fuel division would “dishonour the blessing.” Clerics have long mediated seasonal disputes, lending moral weight to technical policy talks.
Next Steps for Resilient Communities
Working groups are drafting guidelines expected to harmonise migration calendars with planting schedules and to set compensation rates for damaged crops. Observers say the inclusion of youth and women in monitoring committees could improve compliance once herds start moving southward later this year.
Conference resolutions will be presented to the state cabinet next week. If endorsed, local administrators hope to embed them in bylaws, turning dialogue into enforceable practice and easing a conflict that has cost harvests, livelihoods and, at times, lives.