An armed cattle keeper in Tonj, Warrap State | Credit | Courtesy
Youth from the Toposa community in Kapoeta North County, Eastern Equatoria
State, have peacefully returned 100 recovered cattle to Lafon County.
The handover marked the conclusion of a mission aimed at
rebuilding trust between the Toposa and Lafon communities. The cattle were
initially stolen but later recovered by Kapoeta North authorities and the local
community.
Twenty Toposa youth, chosen from various kraals across the
county’s seven payams, led the mission. They also accompanied Lafon youth, who
had been waiting in the county for two months for the return of their
livestock.
County Commissioner David Nayee Lomor said the youth were
selected not only to return the cattle but also to engage in talks once they
reached Lafon County.
“When they reach there, it is not only about handing over
the cattle, but also about continuing dialogue, talking to each other and
assuring one another that we return because we have peace, and let’s continue
with that peace. It is not the five or six people who did this that can spoil
us. This is the reason why we selected youth from all these kraals,” Nayee
said.
Commissioner Nayee stressed that the conflict stemmed from a
few individuals and should not harm the long-standing peace between the Toposa
and Lafon people. He urged the Lafon community to remain patient as efforts
continue to find the remaining cattle believed to be hidden by criminals. He
also expressed gratitude to the state government for its quick and dedicated
response following the incident.
“The people of Lafon and the people of Kapoeta North have
been friends, and they have been living in peace for many years. When this
incident happened, we said we cannot spoil our peace or the relationship we
already have with the people of Lafon, just because of livestock,” he added.
He urged all communities in Greater Kapoeta to maintain
peace and collaborate closely with neighboring counties.