Date: April 23, 2020

President Salva Kiir Mayardit,
The Republic of South Sudan,
State House, Juba

Subject: Pastoralists Invasion of Eastern Equatoria State

Mr President,

We members of the Equatoria Leadership Forum (ELF) are writing today to share our concern by expressing our support for the Paramount Chief of Magwi County and the Equatoria parliamentary constituency regarding the disturbing events of forceful land invasion in Nyolo, Ayii and Pageri in Magwi County by influential individuals in your government.

We are concerned that greed and callous behaviour could undo generations of careful work to maintain livelihoods and the delicate ecosystems in which the people of Equatoria depend. Not to mention risking the possibility of the rightful owners of the commons losing access to their land and livelihoods.

With gratitude, we recognise your swift leadership on a similar matter in Western Equatoria and the release of Republican Order No. 25/2017 Dated 23rd October 2017 regarding the immediate evacuation of cattle camps of pastoralists of Jonglei and other states from Equatoria.

As in 2017, we count on your continued support and expect the Ministry of Defense to assist in facilitating the immediate evacuation of the herders and the vulnerable people accompanying them. It is vital that these farmers many having suffered the ordeal of locusts and a continuing pandemic can prepare their land for cultivation to feed their communities and country.

Our lands and water and entire ecosystems are now at the forefront of slowing human-made environmental disruptions. Every acre of land plays a critical role in slowing and preventing droughts and desertification. We are proud that—so far—with meagre resources, the people of Equatoria have protected their lands and will continue to do so in support of the people and the country.

The ELF hopes that the country can continue to protect based on the rule of law, the people of Equatoria and South Sudan to carry on with sustainable rural livelihoods without fear or favour.

We are looking forward to a speedy and positive response to this matter. Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

Administrator

Equatoria Leadership Forum

CC:

Paramount Chief Magwi County
Minister of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
Minister of Livestock and Fisheries
Minister of Environment and Forestry
Equatoria Parliamentary Caucus -RTNLA
ELF: Australia, Europe, USA and Canada, Africa and the Middle East