Concerns Over Migrating Pastoralists to Neighboring Countries

The head of the Pastoralists Union in Gedaref, Al-Mu’allim Hassan Abu Sadiq, announced that between 11 and 12 people are killed annually and between 7,000 and 12,000 heads of livestock are lost due to attacks by Ethiopian militias in border areas.

He revealed that one of the herders was held hostage for a ransom of 35 million pounds. He also mentioned the various challenges facing the sector, the most significant of which are the lack of grazing areas and encroachments on designated livestock routes.

Abu Sadiq expressed concerns that herders might migrate with their livestock to neighboring countries if the sector’s problems are not addressed.

He stressed the need for the authorities to pay more attention to the livestock sector, especially since it is a key guarantee for food security.

He called for solving the livestock route problems through legal pathways, replanting and designating grazing areas, and improving animal health.

He pointed out that all livestock exports come from traditional herders, which necessitates supporting the sector.