An SPLA soldier who killed a Sudanese cattle keeper will pay blood compensation, according to a decision by the joint peace committee of the Dinka Malual and Rizeigat Arab tribes. 

Aweil West County Commissioner Garang Kuac Ariath said that the incident took place last week on Wednesday at Nyinboli village, Ayat West Payam in Aweil West County, reported Radio Nhomlau FM.

He confirmed that members of the peace committee met on Monday this week and resolved that customary blood compensation should be paid in the amount of 41 cows or its monetary equivalent. 

“This killing is intentional and we have agreed according to the resolution that 41 cows be paid,” said the commissioner, adding that it would be handed over to the Rizeigat at Gok Machar next week on 17 March.

“This is how we agreed last week in the presence of Aweil North County commissioner and peace members from both sides of Dinka Malual and Rizeigat communities,” he explained. 

However, the commissioner would not give details about the actual incident in which the herder was killed, saying it is being investigated. He said the suspect is still in police custody and may also serve a prison term to be determined by a court.

Kuac emphasized that the security situation in his county and especially in the area where the incident occurred is normal. He urged the community to embrace and respect peace resolutions.

The Rizeigat nomads of East Darfur normally migrate into Northern Bahr el Ghazal annually. Beforehand they usually agree with leaders of the local communities on grazing routes for their herds and traditional mechanisms for dispute resolution, among other matters.

Reporting by Nhomlau FM