24 May 2013 - Sudanese nomads currently grazing in Unity state have agreed with their hosts to pay compensation of 75 cattle for intentional killing and 50 for unintentional murder.

The agreement was reached during a three-day migration workshop in Bentiu, which ended today.

Misseriya Senior Chief Khier Ismail Khier said the conference had sparked a new feeling of coexistence and peace among nomads and host communities, which he hoped would continue.

Unity Deputy Governor Michael Chanjiak Gai said the government would help implement agreements between nomads and hosts, but pointed to challenges in doing so.

"Let us focus on how we can create places where the nomads can settle instead of coming to the host communities," Mr. Gai said. "This could result in peace and reduce violent interactions."

"One of the proposals is to create a court, but we need to have some facilities for the courts and deploy police and boreholes deep in the bush," he added.

The workshop, which drew participants from Rubkona, Mayom, Abiemnom and Pariang counties of Unity State as well as Misseriya and Falata nomads, was financed by USAID and supported by UNMISS.