Civil society tells GPAA, EES to probe cattle raid in Kapoeta
Onen Charles Lokwaruk, the chairperson of Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Organization Network addresses the press in Torit on Thursday. [Photo: courtesy]
A civil society body called on the governments of Eastern Equatoria State and Greater Pibor Administrative Area to investigate surging cases of cattle raid and abduction of children and women in Kapoeta East County.
According to Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Organization’s Network (EESCON), the attack came after several peace initiatives by the two state governments and other partners.
The civil society community led resolutions to end the long standing inter-communal and tribal tensions.
In a press statement released by EESCON chairperson, Charles Lokwaruk, the body condemned the attacks describing them as heartless practices perpetrated by the youth from the neighbouring Pibor Administrative Area.
“EESCON condemns and decrees in the strongest terms it deserve, the intentions, the interests and the entire attack on innocent children, women youth and men of Kauto; and describes the attack as unruly, barbaric and heartless conducts by Murle tribe calls for justice to prevail for the victims (dead or alive),” they stated.
According to Lokwaruk, the attack violated the rights of women and children of Toposa community in Kauto which he said cannot go unnoticed and unpunished.
“[We need] immediate interventions by Greater Pibor Administrative Area and Eastern Equatoria State governments to investigates the attack, establish the damages or casualties and bring the perpetrators to face justice for the permanent end to the long standing conflicts and human rights abuses for lasting peace and co-existence,” the group urged.
This is after the EES claimed that Murle cattle raiders encroached into the territory of Eastern Equatoria State and attacked eight cattle camps with 213 kraals and 34 stockades and went away with over 16,000 cattle and over 6,000 goats and sheep.
During the incident, 32 people were reportedly killed and 22 others wounded and that, 90 women and children abducted.
