By Matik Kueth
Prominent Unity State spiritual leader Garang Mut, widely known as Gatdeng, has called on armed youth in Mayom County to halt cattle raids into neighboring Warrap State and instead commit to peace to foster lasting stability between the two regions.
Speaking at a peace conference held Sunday in Mayom, Gatdeng stressed the need for unity and community harmony. He urged the youth to reject violence and work toward reconciliation and development.
“I call upon the armed youth of Mayom to refrain from conducting cattle raids in Warrap State,” he said. “Cattle raiding destroys the fabric of our communities and hampers peace and progress. You must choose peace over conflict so that sisterly communities can live in harmony.”
The spiritual leader emphasized that peace is more than the absence of violence; it requires active efforts to build trust and mutual understanding.
“Only through peace can we develop our regions, improve livelihoods, and foster trust among our people,” he added.
Gatdeng also appealed to local chiefs, community leaders, and security forces to collaborate in ending the violence and promoting lasting peace between the two areas.
During the conference, James Koang, a youth leader from the cattle camps, voiced support for Gatdeng’s message. He pledged to abandon cattle raiding, while calling on local leaders to address underlying grievances.
“The cattle raiding has plagued our communities for years. We want peace, but we also want our grievances and needs to be acknowledged,” Koang said. “If our leaders and elders work with us honestly, we are willing to lay down our weapons and seek peaceful solutions. We need genuine dialogue to rebuild trust only then can we truly move forward.”
Gatdeng’s appeal comes in the wake of a series of violent cattle raids in March and April, during which armed youth from Mayom reportedly attacked Gogrial East and Twic Counties in Warrap State. The raids left more than 30 people dead and at least 20 others injured.
Efforts to bring peace to the region have long faced challenges. A peace and reconciliation conference held in November 2021 aimed to address longstanding disputes, including border issues, but ended without concrete results. Violence has persisted, with repeated attacks on villages and cattle camps causing numerous civilian casualties — including women, children, and the elderly.
Despite government attempts to disarm the youth and restore order, resistance has remained high, and clashes with the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have been reported during cattle confiscation operations.
However, Gatdeng’s influence and the response from local youth leaders offer a glimmer of hope. The recent peace conference, attended by local officials, elders, and youth representatives, provided a platform to renew commitments to dialogue and nonviolence.