Internal Cattle Migration Conference

  • Country/entity
    South Sudan
  • Region
    Africa (excl MENA)
  • Agreement name
    Internal Cattle Migration Conference
  • Date
    20 Nov 2020
  • Agreement status
    Multiparty signed/agreed
  • Interim arrangement
    Yes
  • Agreement/conflict level
    Intrastate/local conflict ( Sudan Conflicts (1955 - ) )
  • Stage
    Framework/substantive - partial
  • Conflict nature
    Inter-group
  • Peace process
    South Sudan: Post-secession Local agreements
  • Parties
    The government of Lakes state and the leaders and representatives of the Dinka Agar community.

    Signed by:

    Hon. Maj. Gen. Makur Kulang Liei
    Governor, Lakes State

    Madol Mathok Agoldeer
    Paramount Chief, Kuei

    Majak Agok Machol
    Paramount Chief, Aliamtoc 1

    Manyang Derder Ajieng
    Paramount Chief, Aliamtoc 2

    Sebit Kuac Manyiel
    Paramount Chief, Rup

    Matueny Chapuol Achien
    Paramount Chief, Pakam

    Mangar Dhal Manyiel
    Executive Chief, Kuei

    Madeng Manyang Mangar Executive Chief, Aliamtoc 1

    John Marial Dongrin
    Executive Chief, Aliamtoc 2

    Guong Akoldit Ruoc
    Executive Chief, Rup

    Mariik Liény Malith
    Executive Chief, Pakam


    Mariik Makulieny Mawuom
    Gelweng Leader, Kuei

    Magangrial Madol Makoi
    Gelweng Leader, Aliamtoc 1

    Maleny Manyuon Gueng
    Gelweng Leader, Aliamtoc 2

    Matur Majak Makuer
    Gelweng Leader, Rup

    Poth Deng Yii
    Gelweng Leader, Pakam
  • Third parties
    Witnessed by:

    Khalif Farah - UNMISS

    David Nyuol Vincent - POF
  • Description
    A cattle migration conference agreement which establishes the conditions for the Dinka Agar community to move their cattle to Toc and is also in part an inter-communal reconciliation to address inter and intra communal conflict in the lakes state and surrounding areas. The agreement provides for compensation to victims of previous conflict and inter-communal cattle disputes. The agreement also contains annexes which describe pending issues which should be continued through dialogue and efforts from state government and monitoring bodies. These include reference to provisional agreements from the pre-agreement process to this conference and agreement. One annex sets out the list of outstanding issues between communities and on cross-border issues concerning other counties or communities. The second annex sets out the unilateral agreements or statements by each of the communities represented in the signing of this agreement, setting out each of their conditions and grievances which shape the premise of holding this conference and agreement.


Groups

  • Children/youth
    Groups→Children/youth→Rhetorical
    Page 1, Preamble

    We the local leaders, Paramount Chiefs, Executive Chiefs, Spiritual Leaders, Elders, Youth, Intellectuals, and Women of Agar community have suffered the consequences of prolonged inter- and intra- communal conflict.


    Page 3, Resolutions of the Parties

    11. We have agreed to discourage and stop brewing of local alcohol in the villages and cattle camps. We understand the destruction this causes to our young people, and we commit to working with our women to find alternative means of supporting families.
  • Disabled persons

    No specific mention.

  • Elderly/age

    No specific mention.

  • Migrant workers

    No specific mention.

  • Racial/ethnic/national group
    Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Rhetorical
    Page 1, Resolutions of the Parties

    We, the leaders of Dinka Agar community, who have gathered here for the last four days, have agreed to wait until the formation of the Special Courts to hear all the pending cases and ensure that all victims are compensated accordingly. We ask the leadership of Lakes State to address this as a matter of priority.

    Page 3, Resolutions of the Parties

    14. We ask the management of POF to extend its peace and reconciliation programme across Lakes State because we (Dinka Agar) cannot be peaceful and yet our neighbours, Yirol and Gok are still fighting one another.
  • Religious groups

    No specific mention.

  • Indigenous people

    No specific mention.

  • Other groups

    No specific mention.

  • Refugees/displaced persons

    No specific mention.

  • Social class

    No specific mention.


Gender

  • Women, girls and gender
    Page 1, Preamble

    We the local leaders, Paramount Chiefs, Executive Chiefs, Spiritual Leaders, Elders, Youth, Intellectuals, and Women of Agar community have suffered the consequences of prolonged inter- and intra- communal conflict.

    Page 3, Resolutions of the Parties

    11. We have agreed to discourage and stop brewing of local alcohol in the villages and cattle camps. We understand the destruction this causes to our young people, and we commit to working with our women to find alternative means of supporting families.
  • Men and boys

    No specific mention.

  • LGBTI

    No specific mention.

  • Family
    Page 3, Resolutions of the Parties

    11. We have agreed to discourage and stop brewing of local alcohol in the villages and cattle camps. We understand the destruction this causes to our young people, and we commit to working with our women to find alternative means of supporting families.

State definition

  • Nature of state (general)

    No specific mention.

  • State configuration

    No specific mention.

  • Self determination

    No specific mention.

  • Referendum

    No specific mention.

  • State symbols

    No specific mention.

  • Independence/secession

    No specific mention.

  • Accession/unification

    No specific mention.

  • Border delimitation

    No specific mention.

  • Cross-border provision

    No specific mention.


Governance

  • Political institutions (new or reformed)
    Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    3. The conference has resolved that the migration of cattle to toc will be regulated by the Government prior to the movement. We have also agreed for the Government to set a date for the migration, until which no cattle camp should move.
    4. We have agreed that if any individual(s) initiate the movement of their cattle camp to the toc without Government approval, they will be fined and held accountable.
  • Elections

    No specific mention.

  • Electoral commission

    No specific mention.

  • Political parties reform

    No specific mention.

  • Civil society

    No specific mention.

  • Traditional/religious leaders
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    6. We have agreed for our Spiritual Leaders, led by Panyar, to conduct the necessary rituals that are supposed to be performed before migrating to toc.

    Page 3, Resolutions of the Parties

    15. We have agreed to consult and seek permission from the authorities and traditional leaders of Belle and Mvolo before migrating to their land.
  • Public administration

    No specific mention.

  • Constitution

    No specific mention.


Power sharing

  • Political power sharing

    No specific mention.

  • Territorial power sharing

    No specific mention.

  • Economic power sharing

    No specific mention.

  • Military power sharing

    No specific mention.


Human rights and equality

  • Human rights/RoL general

    No specific mention.

  • Bill of rights/similar

    No specific mention.

  • Treaty incorporation

    No specific mention.

  • Civil and political rights

    No specific mention.

  • Socio-economic rights

    No specific mention.


Rights related issues

  • Citizenship

    No specific mention.

  • Democracy

    No specific mention.

  • Detention procedures

    No specific mention.

  • Media and communication

    No specific mention.

  • Mobility/access
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    3. The conference has resolved that the migration of cattle to toc will be regulated by the Government prior to the movement. We have also agreed for the Government to set a date for the migration, until which no cattle camp should move.
    4. We have agreed that if any individual(s) initiate the movement of their cattle camp to the toc without Government approval, they will be fined and held accountable.

    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    7. We have agreed no one should migrate to toc with a gun and anyone found with a weapon in toc will be disarmed and fined by paying five cows. In return, we ask the government to deploy security forces in toc to take charge of our security.
  • Protection measures

    No specific mention.

  • Other

    No specific mention.


Rights institutions

  • NHRI

    No specific mention.

  • Regional or international human rights institutions

    No specific mention.


Justice sector reform

  • Criminal justice and emergency law

    No specific mention.

  • State of emergency provisions

    No specific mention.

  • Judiciary and courts
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    1. We, the leaders of Dinka Agar community, who have gathered here for the last four days, have agreed to wait until the formation of the Special Courts to hear all the pending cases and ensure that all victims are compensated accordingly. We ask the leadership of Lakes State to address this as a matter of priority.
    2. We have also agreed for any cases of cattle balances to be heard once the Special Courts are formed...
  • Prisons and detention

    No specific mention.

  • Traditional Laws

    No specific mention.


Socio-economic reconstruction

  • Development or socio-economic reconstruction
    Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
    Page 1, Preamble

    ... We are aware of the destruction this conflict has inflicted on every aspect of our physical, social, and economic life and our mutual co-existence.
  • National economic plan

    No specific mention.

  • Natural resources

    No specific mention.

  • International funds
    Page 1, Preamble

    ... We also appreciate the dedicated support provided by the Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund (POF) in partnership with UNMISS which made this Internal Cattle Migration Conference possible.

    Page 1, Preamble

    ... We recognise the United Kingdom Government for supporting the cattle camp research in the five sections of the Dinka Agar, the annual pre-migration dialogues, and this Internal Cattle Migration Conference.
  • Business

    No specific mention.

  • Taxation

    No specific mention.

  • Banks

    No specific mention.


Land, property and environment

  • Land reform/rights

    No specific mention.

  • Pastoralist/nomadism rights
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    3. The conference has resolved that the migration of cattle to toc will be regulated by the Government prior to the movement. We have also agreed for the Government to set a date for the migration, until which no cattle camp should move.
    4. We have agreed that if any individual(s) initiate the movement of their cattle camp to the toc without Government approval, they will be fined and held accountable.

    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    7. We have agreed no one should migrate to toc with a gun and anyone found with a weapon in toc will be disarmed and fined by paying five cows. In return, we ask the government to deploy security forces in toc to take charge of our security.
  • Cultural heritage

    No specific mention.

  • Environment

    No specific mention.

  • Water or riparian rights or access

    No specific mention.


Security sector

  • Security Guarantees
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    7. We have agreed no one should migrate to toc with a gun and anyone found with a weapon in toc will be disarmed and fined by paying five cows. In return, we ask the government to deploy security forces in toc to take charge of our security.
  • Ceasefire

    No specific mention.

  • Police

    No specific mention.

  • Armed forces

    No specific mention.

  • DDR
    Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    7. We have agreed no one should migrate to toc with a gun and anyone found with a weapon in toc will be disarmed and fined by paying five cows...
  • Intelligence services

    No specific mention.

  • Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces

    No specific mention.

  • Withdrawal of foreign forces

    No specific mention.

  • Corruption

    No specific mention.

  • Crime/organised crime
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    8. We have agreed unanimously to condemn cattle theft and cattle exchange, and that anybody who will be killed during the process of stealing will not be revenged and those caught should be punished heavily by the law. If the thief kills someone (owner of the cattle) in the process of raiding, the victim(s) should be compensated by 51 cows, paid to the family of the deceased.
    9. We have agreed that the apprehension of thieves or cattle rustlers and murderers will be coordinated by the Paramount Chiefs, Executive Chiefs and Gelweng leaders. These individuals will be brought to the Special Court to be constituted by the Chief Justice.
    10. We have agreed that if any person steals a cow, he will be fined five cows, to be paid to the Government.
  • Drugs

    No specific mention.

  • Terrorism

    No specific mention.


Transitional justice

  • Transitional justice general

    No specific mention.

  • Amnesty/pardon

    No specific mention.

  • Courts
    Transitional justice→Courts→National courts
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    1. We, the leaders of Dinka Agar community, who have gathered here for the last four days, have agreed to wait until the formation of the Special Courts to hear all the pending cases and ensure that all victims are compensated accordingly. We ask the leadership of Lakes State to address this as a matter of priority.
    2. We have also agreed for any cases of cattle balances to be heard once the Special Courts are formed...

    Page 3, Resolutions of the Parties

    9. We have agreed that the apprehension of thieves or cattle rustlers and murderers will be coordinated by the Paramount Chiefs, Executive Chiefs and Gelweng leaders. These individuals will be brought to the Special Court to be constituted by the Chief Justice.
  • Mechanism
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    2. We have also agreed for any cases of cattle balances to be heard once the Special Courts are formed. If anyone recognises their bull or cow in the toc, they should report this to the Monitoring Committee immediately. It is the Monitoring Committee who should decide the course of action.
  • Prisoner release

    No specific mention.

  • Vetting

    No specific mention.

  • Victims
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    1. We, the leaders of Dinka Agar community, who have gathered here for the last four days, have agreed to wait until the formation of the Special Courts to hear all the pending cases and ensure that all victims are compensated accordingly. We ask the leadership of Lakes State to address this as a matter of priority

    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    8. We have agreed unanimously to condemn cattle theft and cattle exchange, and that anybody who will be killed during the process of stealing will not be revenged and those caught should be punished heavily by the law. If the thief kills someone (owner of the cattle) in the process of raiding, the victim(s) should be compensated by 51 cows, paid to the family of the deceased.
  • Missing persons

    No specific mention.

  • Reparations
    Transitional justice→Reparations→Material reparations
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    1. We, the leaders of Dinka Agar community, who have gathered here for the last four days, have agreed to wait until the formation of the Special Courts to hear all the pending cases and ensure that all victims are compensated accordingly. We ask the leadership of Lakes State to address this as a matter of priority.

    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    8. We have agreed unanimously to condemn cattle theft and cattle exchange, and that anybody who will be killed during the process of stealing will not be revenged and those caught should be punished heavily by the law. If the thief kills someone (owner of the cattle) in the process of raiding, the victim(s) should be compensated by 51 cows, paid to the family of the deceased.
  • Reconciliation

    No specific mention.


Implementation

  • UN signatory
    Page 5, Signatories

    Khalif Farah, Witness - UNMISS
  • Other international signatory
    Page 5, Signatories

    David Nyuol Vincent, Witness - POF
  • Referendum for agreement

    No specific mention.

  • International mission/force/similar

    No specific mention.

  • Enforcement mechanism
    Page 2, Resolutions of the Parties

    2. We have also agreed for any cases of cattle balances to be heard once the Special Courts are formed. If anyone recognises their bull or cow in the toc, they should report this to the Monitoring Committee immediately. It is the Monitoring Committee who should decide the course of action.

    Page 3, Resolutions of the Parties

    18. We have agreed to establish the Internal Cattle Migration Monitoring Committee (ICMMC) of fifteen members to monitor, liaise and implement these resolutions. The Committee's composition shall be as follows:
  • Related cases

    No specific mention.

  • Source

    No specific mention.


Internal Cattle Conference

Airport Hotel, Rumbek I Lakes State, South Sudan

17-20 November 2020

Preamble

We the local leaders, Paramount Chiefs, Executive Chiefs, Spiritual Leaders, Elders, Youth, Intellectuals, and Women of Agar community have suffered the consequences of

prolonged inter- and intra- communal conflict.

We are aware of the destruction this conflict has inflicted on every aspect of our physical, social, and economic life and our mutual co-existence.

We regret the failure to avert the losses caused by this crisis in a timely manner.

We also appreciate the dedicated support provided by the Peacebuilding Opportunities

Fund (POF) in partnership with UNMISS which made this Internal Cattle Migration Conference possible.

Further, we appreciate the tireless effort of our state leadership, under Hon.

Maj.

Gen.

Makur Kulang Liei, Governor of Lakes State, for ensuring relative peace and support to this conference till this day has been reached

We recognise the United Kingdom Government for supporting the cattle camp research in the five sections of the Dinka Agar, the annual pre-migration dialogues, and this Internal Cattle Migration Conference.

We affirm our commitment to maintain this peace and restore lives, our norms and social fabric.

We assure ourselves, the Government and peace partners that we will continue to dialogue until a lasting and sustainable peace with all neighbouring communities is achieved.

We do, as a result of this, resolve today at this gathering, held at Airport Hotel Rumbek,

Lakes State, to the following resolutions:

Resolutions of the Parties

1. We, the leaders of Dinka Agar community, who have gathered here for the last four days, have agreed to wait until the formation of the Special Courts to hear all the pending cases and ensure that all victims are compensated accordingly.

We ask the leadership of Lakes State to address this as a matter of priority.

2. We have also agreed for any cases of cattle balances to be heard once the Special Courts are formed.

If anyone recognises their bull or cow in the toc, they should report this to the Monitoring Committee immediately.

It is the Monitoring Committee who should decide the course of action.

3. The conference has resolved that the migration of cattle to toc will be regulated by the Government prior to the movement.

We have also agreed for the Government to set a date for the migration, until which no cattle camp should move.

4. We have agreed that if any individual(s) initiate the movement of their cattle camp to the toc without Government approval, they will be fined and held accountable.

5. We have agreed to conduct traditional rituals that used to be performed at Luak (shrine) by all sections and ask Panyar, Joth, and Amoth-nhom to contribute cattle to Luak Ajok GOP, followed by all the other sections.

6. We have agreed for our Spiritual Leaders, led by Panyar, to conduct the necessary rituals that are supposed to be performed before migrating to toc.

7. We have agreed no one should migrate to toc with a gun and anyone found with a weapon in toc will be disarmed and fined by paying five cows.

In return, we ask the government to deploy security forces in toc to take charge of our security.

8. We have agreed unanimously to condemn cattle theft and cattle exchange, and that anybody who will be killed during the process of stealing will not be revenged and those caught should be punished heavily by the law.

If the thief kills someone (owner of the cattle) in the process of raiding, the victim(s) should be compensated by 51 cows, paid to the family of the deceased.

9. We have agreed that the apprehension of thieves or cattle rustlers and murderers will be coordinated by the Paramount Chiefs, Executive Chiefs and Gelweng leaders.

These individuals will be brought to the Special Court to be constituted by the Chief Justice.

10. We have agreed that if any person steals a cow, he will be fined five cows, to be paid to the Government.

11. We have agreed to discourage and stop brewing of local alcohol in the villages and cattle camps.

We understand the destruction this causes to our young people, and we commit to working with our women to find alternative means of supporting families.

12. We have agreed that if any person of any section breaches this agreement, the first action will be for their leaders, starting with the Paramount Chiefs, to be arrested immediately, and they will be answerable to the government.

13. We the Delegates, Chiefs, Gelweng, Akut de door, under POF and the Lakes State Peaceful Disarmament Steering Committee, immediately after this conference, shall go and disseminate peace messages and these resolutions.

14. We ask the management of POF to extend its peace and reconciliation programme across Lakes State because we (Dinka Agar) cannot be peaceful and yet our neighbours, Yirol and Gok are still fighting one another.

15. We have agreed to consult and seek permission from the authorities and traditional leaders of Belle and Mvolo before migrating to their land.

16. We have agreed for the Paramount Chiefs, Executive Chiefs and Gelweng leaders to meet and review the progress of the agreement every six weeks.

We ask POF and UNMISS to help coordinate these meetings.

17. We have agreed to continue to dialogue and resolve the pending issues, annexed to this agreement, with the support of POF, UNMISS and other peace partners.

18. We have agreed to establish the Internal Cattle Migration Monitoring Committee (ICMMC) of fifteen members to monitor, liaise and implement these resolutions.

The Committee's composition shall be as follows: