(Sukuk.net - Arab News) Toposa Development Association (TDA), a Sudanese national nongovernmental organization (NGO), has appealed for financial help to continue to work for the welfare of the peaceful, healthy and economic vibrant pastoralist community in the greater Kapoeta counties in Sudan.

The NGO is operating in the whole of the former Kapoeta county, which has since been divided into three other counties - Kapoeta North, Kapoeta South and Kapoeta East, now popularly known as greater Kapoeta, according to Eric Simba, TDA coordinator for south Sudan.

The greater Kapoeta borders Kenya in the south, Ethiopia in the east and Uganda in the southwest. It is predominantly inhabited by the people of Toposa ethnicity. Hence commonly called as Toposa land.

The land mass is about 45,000 sq km, with an estimated population of 600,000 and is also a major refuge for the internally displaced persons as a result of the 21-year war in Sudan.

The main economic mainstay is pastoralism, which is practiced freely. This causes many conflicts over pasture and water between Toposa and its neighbors who also practice the same system.

"The conflicts are aggravated by the proliferation of arms in the region, which was at war for 21 years. Therefore, the encounters are both devastating to humanity and property for both Toposa and its corresponding neighbors in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia who practice the same lifestyle and have the same harsh natural habitat," Simba said in a statement.

TDA operates in a postwar situation involving reconstruction and rehabilitation. There is a comprehensive peace agreement between the government in north Sudan and the SPLآ who were the main warring groups.

TDA, registered in Juba, Sudan, has a portfolio of four programs: Peace building and conflict resolution; water, hygiene and sanitation education; HIV/AIDS education and mitigation creation; and improvement of the livelihood. TDA works with several international organizations in pursuance of its mission.

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