The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has facilitated a peace forum addressing the issue of cattle raids taking place among communities in the Greater Liech area. 

The two-day forum held in Wangkey in Mayom County drew more than 100 participants, including government officials, women, youth and leaders of faith-based groups from Rubkhona, Mayom, Guit and Koch.

The Governor in Bentiu, Dr. Joseph Manytuil Wejang, told the gathering that cattle rustling results in the death of many innocent civilians. 

Victor Fasama, an UNMISS civil affairs officer in Bentiu, hopes that the forum will lay the foundation for peaceful co-existence between neighbouring communities. 

 “This is the first time in years that the segments of greater Northern Liech State including Bul, Leek, Jagei and Jikany come together to discuss issues confronting their common existence”,  he noted.

Ms.  Manal Kong Yoach, the State Minister of Agriculture in Bentiu said the dialogue will build trust and confidence between the neighboring communities. 

The forum ended with all the county commissioners and traditional chiefs from the newly created eleven counties resolving to be vigilant, to restore law and order and to make sure that perpetrators of cattle raiding will be held accountable for their deeds.