Crossing the line: Transhumance in transition along the Sudan-South Sudan border

This report aims to document the process of nomadic pastoralism across the Sudan-South Sudan border through the dry season 2011-2012 and identify some key factors that affected the nature of this migration. It documents the process of nomadic pastoralism across the Sudan-South Sudan border through the dry season 2011-2012 and identify some key factors that affected the nature of this migration. The contents derive from desk and field research undertaken by an international consultant in July and August 2012. In preparation of this report, the consultant visited each border state of South Sudan and the PCA Abyei Area. The Abyei Area was included as part of the report due to its central importance in understanding the regional dynamic of cross-border pastoralism along the Sudan-South Sudan border. Limitations The findings are limited by a number of factors. These include, 1) A paucity of reliable data pertaining to the dry season migration and absence of any centrally held records, 2) The short time spent in each field location (an average of 2-3 days per field location), 3) The fact that most individuals with expertise in the issue area and study period are closely connected to one or other political positions, and 4) The fact that fieldwork was exclusively conducted in South Sudan. Of these, the last should perhaps be given most weight. Nevertheless, attempts have been made to crossverify all information in this report. Where this was not possible, the information has been presented as the perception or opinion of the informant. The study benefited greatly from the involvement of those with a deeper understanding of the context than the author, including Concordis staff in Sudan and South Sudan who have been closely involved in monitoring cross-border pastoralism throughout the dry season 2011-2012, and from comprehensive briefings with UNMISS Civil Affairs Officers in each location. Important information was also received from partner organisations, notably AECOM. The structure of the report, organized by South Sudanese state, also reflects the nature of the field research in South Sudan. Key Findings The Migration Overall the dry season 2011-2012 was characterised by lower levels of pastoralist movement into South Sudan than occurred prior to independence. This was true in Unity State and to a lesser degree in Upper Nile State, where strong cooperative agreements were made between state and local authorities and various pastoralist groups. The Rizeigat migration into Northern Bahr al Ghazal was an exception, with higher than average numbers estimated by local communities and officials, the result of strong locally managed arrangements and the closure of the border with Western Bahr al Ghazal.