South Sudan: Jonglei State – One Week After Independence Cattle Are Still Being Slaughtered

16 July 2011

Bor — Cattle are still being slaughtered a week after South Sudan’s independence day was celebrated in Jonglei state. Makuach Payam [district] of Bor county in Jonglei state, claims to have killed more than 100 in the first three days.

“The culture of killing a cow on a big day is a sign of happiness and joy in our culture but this [South Sudan Independence celebration] is extraordinary,” said Chol Anyuat Nyok, one of the people who participated in cow killing known as ‘gut de wong’ in Dinka Bor dialect.

“In our Payam [Makuach], we killed 112 cattle because the dream has come true,” said Maror Alier, now know as ‘Agut Mamer’ after the bull he killed on 9 July.

South Sudan’s independence is a result of January 2011 referendum promised in the 2005 peace accord that ended the second North – South civil war of 1983–2005 that started in Bor.

As celebrations continue in Jonglei state and messages of congratulations from various groups on the attainment of the Republic of South Sudan, the new country’s citizens expect a lot from the government in terms of public services.

In Jonglei state, where local feuds have resulted to unrest since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement halted North-South conflict, the main celebration is tight with future security.

“People will be rich. There will be no insecurity because the enemy [Khartoum government] is now in a different country,” said Jacob Lueth, as he tied-down his cow in a cattle camp near Bor town, the capital of Jonglei state.

The killing of over one hundred cattle in Makuach Payam is not a loss, he added “because we are marking a transition.”

CONGRATULATIONS

Jonglei state government congratulated the people of South Sudan under the leadership of the First President of the Republic, Salva Kiir Mayardit, in a letter signed by governor Kuol Manyang Juuk describing the independence as a “joyous and proud achievement.”

Leaders of Bor community thanked President Kiir and governor Kuol Manyang for the “long lasting freedom” they had achieved.

The letter, signed by Daniel Deng Kut, pledged continued allegiance to serving the interest of all South Sudanese through hard work and commitment to spirit of patriotism as a new nation.

Pigi and Pochala counties leaders and other groups sent messages of congratulation, seen by Sudan Tribune, to president Kiir.

JONGLEI STATE CHALLENGES

Since taking office as governor of Jonglei state in December, 2007, Kuol Manyang has maintained that roads construction remains a priority to improving security. The real work is yet to begin.

Jonglei’s weak and ill-equipped police force struggles to control the heavy population. The state’s citizens are struggling to afford the rising cost of goods.

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