South Sudan lawmakers from Equatoria states meet Machar

May 7, 2020 (SSNN) — Members of the incumbent Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) from across South Sudan’s Greater Equatoria states on Thursday met the country’s First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, his office said.

James Gatdet Dak, the Press Secretary at Machar’s office said in a statement that the delegation discussed range of issues including the the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

“A delegation from the Equatoria Caucus of lawmakers representing the three states of Central, Eastern and Western Equatoria states met with the First Vice President, H. E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny and discussed a range of issues,” Gatdet said.

He said the group of lawmakers commended President Kiir and Machar for “their spearheading commitment to the Peace Agreement.”

“The meeting discussed the importance of consolidating peaceful co-existence and harmony among communities in the country,” the statement added.

Most important issues raised, Gatdet said, is the ongoing cattle raids in some part of the region as well as the movements of the pastoralist to agricultural lands in the region which endanger crops and cultivation.

“Issues raised by the MPs included concerns about roaming arned cattle keepers with their cattle that moved into Equatoria states from a neighbouring states, allegedly destroying their farms,” said the statement.

“They said the situation has disturbed peace in the communities, and also defies the movement restrictions from state to state which was ordered by the President due to Covid-19,” added the statement

It further pointed out that the lawmakers “called on the leadership to resolve the matter.”