28 November 2013 - Officials from Unity and Lakes states pledged today in Rumbek to strengthen efforts to prevent cattle rustling and insecurity along their shared borders.

Delegations attending a meeting, organized by AECOM and UNMISS, in the Lakes capital comprised chiefs and counties commissioners from border areas in both states.

Noting continuous waves of cattle rustling and insecurity along borders during the dry season, meeting participants stressed the need for close collaboration between residents of both states to prevent conflict.

“Our communities need to build relations for the good of people,” said Unity Panyijar County Commissioner John Gatluak. “A good relationship among bordering communities will save lives and properties.”

Lakes Yirol East Commissioner Manyang Luk called for strengthened relationships among border communities, including inter-marriage and the engagement of youth in other activities.

“Our young people need to be engaged in sports and sustainable development activities,” he said. “This will make the youth busy and productive and drive their attention away from crime.”

Delegates noted that UNMISS’ continued facilitation of peace meetings had helped in reducing cattle rustling. The latest round of UNMISS peace meeting mediations and facilitations began in early September 2013.

Next week, another round of peace meetings under the auspices of UNMISS will be held between rival youths from Tonj East and South (Warrap State) and Cueibet and Rumbek North (Lakes) counties in Tonj East County.