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Open Letter to the Governor of Eastern Equatoria State



02-08-2026

His Excellency Louis Lobong Lojore

Governor, Eastern Equatoria State

Subject: Urgent Appeal for the Immediate Removal of Cattle from Magwi County, Particularly the Nimule Area

Your Excellency,

I write to you as a concerned citizen regarding the continued presence of thousands of cattle in Magwi County, particularly in and around the Nimule area. This situation demands your urgent attention and intervention.

In the recent past, government authorities, local leaders, and communities agreed that the presence of cattle in Magwi County is unacceptable. This position is consistent with the Presidential directive ordering all cattle to return to their areas of origin. Despite this clear directive, many cattle keepers, particularly from Bor, continue to disregard the order and have returned with large herds into the county.

Today, thousands of cattle are moving freely in the Nimule area and occupying locations less than ten kilometres from Nimule Municipality. We are all aware of the destruction that such large herds can cause. The people of Magwi County depend almost entirely on crop farming for their livelihoods, and their land is their most valuable resource.

Your Excellency, our people are only beginning to recover from a prolonged two-month drought. Many families have recently planted vegetables and other food crops that are not yet ready for harvest. There is widespread fear that these cattle will invade farms, destroy crops, and leave already struggling families with nothing. I write on behalf of many concerned citizens who are anxious about the suffering this situation may bring if immediate action is not taken.

Your Excellency, it appears that the security authorities in Nimule and Magwi have not done enough to enforce the Presidential directive and the resolutions agreed upon by the local population. The return of these cattle has been visible for months, yet little or no effective action has been taken. It is possible that your office has not been fully informed of the seriousness of the situation. We therefore respectfully appeal to you to intervene immediately before tensions escalate and lives are lost.

We respectfully demand the immediate and unconditional removal of all cattle from Nimule and the entire Magwi County. We firmly believe in peaceful coexistence among all communities, but the livelihoods and safety of local residents must be protected. Those who cannot reside in Magwi County without keeping cattle should be encouraged to relocate peacefully to areas designated for cattle grazing.

Your Excellency, this appeal reflects the collective voice of many residents of Magwi County who are looking to your leadership for a swift and decisive response. The continued presence of cattle in Nimule and other parts of the county has created fear and uncertainty among residents, including those who are planning to return home from displacement camps.

Finally, Your Excellency, we recognize the many challenges facing your administration, and we appreciate your continued service to the people of Eastern Equatoria State. We remain confident that under your leadership, this matter can be resolved peacefully and decisively. We therefore respectfully urge you to ensure the immediate removal of all cattle from Magwi County in accordance with the Presidential directive and the wishes of the local community.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Yours faithfully,


Sir. Abunerry

Writer, Critic, and Poet

A Concerned Citizen of Magwi County


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