The Bari Community leaders have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Mangalla County following recent clashes between cattle keepers from Jonglei State and indigenous community.
Stephen Pitia Lako, the Chairperson for Bari Community said they are demanding for cattle herders to immediately vacate Mangalla County.
“The leadership of Bari community and all the Bari people are demanding the urgent vacation and return of Dinka Bor internally displaced IDPs and cattle herders in Mangala,” said Lako during press conference in Juba on Friday.
Lako reminded the cattle herders of Presidential order issued in April 2015 and 2017 respectively ordering all cattle keepers in Greater Equatoria region to repatriate their animals to their home of origins.
His outburst comes in the aftermath of clashes erupting since December 12th between the cattle keepers and Bari community. On December 27th, renewed violence between the two sides ensued.
“We urgently urge the President and Commander- in-Chief of SSPDF, and the supreme commander of all organized forces to direct all the security organs to immediately cease the unwarranted offensive operations against our innocent Bari people in all Bari land,” added Lako.
Over 20, 000 civilians are believed to have been displaced from Mangalla since the fighting erupted.
“We appeal for urgent intervention of the national and state government, national and international NGOs, our people in diaspora and all well-wishers to rescue our displaced communities from the devastating humanitarian situation,” said Lako.
