Central Equatoria State Security Committee Confirms Implementation of Presidential Order for Armed Cattle Herders to Return to Their Original Areas

Juba: Alnaem Mubarak Kuol

The Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of the 2017 Presidential Order, which mandates the departure of armed cattle herders from the Equatoria states and their return to their original areas, began its meetings today, Tuesday, chaired by the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State.

The Central Equatoria State Security Committee, headed by Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu Obedi, confirmed the implementation of the 2017 Presidential Order, which calls for the return of armed cattle herders to their original areas.

During its weekly meeting, the committee discussed a range of security-related issues affecting the state. Among the key issues on the agenda was the presence of armed cattle herders in some areas of the state, which continues to cause insecurity to local communities and impacts the overall security situation in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency, Salah Rajab Bunduki, who also serves as the state Minister of Finance, Planning, and Investment, he told the press that the High-Level State Committee, established by a gubernatorial order to oversee the implementation of the 2017 Presidential Order, has started its work. “I want to inform the public that our committee is now in Lainya to follow up with the cattle owners to return to their original areas,” said Rajab, emphasizing that the committee aims to expedite the implementation process before the rainy season to enable residents to engage in farming.

The security sector commanders in Juba briefed the committee, reporting that the situation remains calm. Minister Rajab also commended the security organs for their continued enforcement of the gubernatorial order that banned the production, sale, and consumption of harmful alcoholic beverages in the state. “The security committee has decided to continue field visits to ensure the implementation of the order in both letter and spirit. These visits will also help ensure the effectiveness of the security apparatus,” the minister added.