By Hou Akot Hou
Dinka Malual Peace Committee in Aweil North County, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, has prevented Rezigat nomads from driving cattle into the border areas of Gok-machar before 15th February.
This comes in the wake of ongoing unrest that is still raging in Sudan like in Darfur region.
According to the Secretary of the Dinka Malual Peace Committee, residents in the border areas reported the presence of three cattle camps belonging to the Rezigat, which have entered the area earlier than the customary schedule.
“We got information about the arrival of three cattle camps along the border and we sent the members of peace committee to ascertain why the Rezigats nomads came earlier a head of February, and without reviewing the previous accords,” he questioned.
“The committee came back and reported that they have been informed by the nomads that the unrest in Sudan is so perilous or dangerous on both humans and cattle as it is still continuous,” he stated.
Abdullah Sadiq, the chairperson of the Rezigat in Gok-machar, conveyed his concerns during a phone interview, stating that the ongoing conflict in Sudan has made it increasingly dangerous for their people and livestock.
The warplanes bombs indiscriminately and it is too unsafe for our people and cattle to live there. So we ask our brothers in the region to allow us in earlier than usual,” he implored.
Sadiq’s team, which includes nine members, is currently engaged in discussions with chiefs from Aweil North and West counties to seek an amicable resolution that would allow them access to pasture and water sources.
As part of their annual review process, the peace committees will also examine any grievances or issues that may have arisen between the two groups in the previous year before making a decision on the Rezigat’s entry into the state.
The situation remains sensitive as both communities strive to balance the need for access to resources with the imperative of maintaining peace and stability.