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Cattle raiding in South Sudan
The report 'Between pride and shame' explores cattle raiding drivers and trends in the Lakes and Unity States' border area in South Sudan. It is based on interviews with cattle keepers, many of whom have themselves engaged in raids. These practices and their resulting intercommunal tensions challenge existing peacebuilding efforts between the communities along the border. Through this report, PAX has sought to map the drivers of conflict, the personal motivations of armed youth to participate in raids, and respondents' views on where conflict resolution mechanisms fall short and what adaptations are needed.
In November and December 2025, PAX interviewed over twenty cattle camp inhabitants in Lakes and Unity States on escalating violence related to cattle raiding. Over half of these respondents had direct experience with participation in one or more cattle raids. While often considered a 'spoiler' for local peace agreements, armed youth and cattle raiders are rarely engaged with directly because of access issues and their reputation, among other things. With this research PAX has sought out their perspectives directly, to better understand what drives them, but also to create more awareness and ownership of local peace processes among these actors.
Our full report and recommendations can be read below.
About this report
Date of publication:
May 11, 2026
Author:
Erin Bijl & Anton Quist
Publisher:
PAX
Period:
May 2026
Topic
South Sudan
Cattle raiding in South Sudan
May 11, 2026, Erin Bijl & Anton Quist
