Kiir demanded an explanation for the recent cattle rustling and violence in Magwi County

President Salva Kiir Mayardit, according to Information Minister Michael Makuei, has demanded an explanation for the recent cattle rustling and violence in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, and has summoned Governor Louis Lobong Lojore and Commissioner David Otto.

A livestock attack in Mugali Payam, Magwi County, in the early hours of Wednesday morning killed 23 people, wounded hundreds more, and rustled thousands of animals.

According to Makuei, who briefed the press after the normal cabinet meeting, Kiir said that the situation demanded government assistance. He went on to say that the president got a report describing the deaths of 23 persons, including women and children, the raiding of 3,450 cattle, and the shooting of 52 additional animals.

“It is not acceptable to enable our South Sudanese compatriots to murder themselves for no cause and then begin cattle rustling,” he stated. “After deliberation, His Excellency (Kiir) directed that the governor of Eastern Equatoria State and the commissioner of Magwi be summoned so that they can actually give him the exact report of what happened, and that he will also set up a fact-finding committee that will go to the site to determine exactly what happened.”

According to the minister, the cabinet has denounced the violence.

“We will not be able to handle difficulties and problems if we engage in wars.” “Cattle raiding should not be encouraged,” said Minister Makuei. “Law and order must be maintained, and as such, the cabinet supported the sending or formation of an investigative committee to the scene to gather facts about the incident.”