Rocrocdong – Climate shocks have costs beyond their direct visible impact as it is the case in places such as Bentiu, where flooding has forced communities to abandon their now-submerged villages and find what is likely to be permanent sanctuary in specially protected areas.
In Western Bahr El Ghazal, increased deforestation had a more indirect impact, forcing cattle keepers to explore new routes during the migration season, with their journeys now more often lead them through already occupied farmland, resulting in destroyed crops and the draining of already scarce water resources
Desperate about the devastating impact of this invasion, affected farmers feel driven to protect their land, resulting in recurring instances of cattle raids and violent clashes with cattle keepers.
Until they started talking instead of fighting.
In December 2025, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan hosted dialogues between feuding parties from various tribes, regions and communities in Warrap State, Northern and Western Bahr El Ghazal.
The result?
Farmers and cattle keepers alike tell stories of peaceful coexistence and even neighborly relations during migration times.
“This year, when the cattle keepers passed through our area, we actually properly connected with them. After sharing meals and stories together, we are looking forward to welcoming them again next year,” shares farmer Gabriel Atak.
Remembering the discussions surrounding the established agreements, he emphasizes the symbiotic aspects of their interactions, such as cattle dung being dropped on the farms on specific times to foster soil fertility:
“We transformed a situation leading to losses for everyone into one where everybody is a winner.”
Taking a break from his friendly card game with local farmers, cattle keeper, Tong Tong, still vividly remembers the anxiety he used to feel during migration before the agreements that were reaching at the UNMISS-supported forums:
“I couldn’t sleep and barely eat. All I could think about was the fear of my cattle being taken away or killed.”
Since he started keeping cattle at the tender age of 11, the now 23-year-old doesn’t remember ever feeling this much at peace. Today, his concerns center only around his 110 cows being well-fed and healthy.
For Adewuyi Adewumi, UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Rocrocdong is a testimony to the power of dialogue as an effective tool for conflict resolution:
“Seeing how peacefully the different communities don’t just coexist, but also connect now, brings me a lot of joy. My hope is that it also serves as a lesson for other States to foster similar initiatives and trust in their shared desire for peace.”
By Jaella Brockmann
