SUMMARY

The Didinga is an ethnic group in southern Sudan that numbers about 60 000 people. They inhabit the Budi County in the Eastern Equatoria state; the most south-eastern region of Sudan. Didinga society is sedentary agricultural and the area that they inhabit is hilly with sufficient rainfall to support agriculture. The people mainly cultivate maize, sorghum, beans, wheat and tobacco with two harvests per year. In addition, they also pan for gold and other minerals from the river beds.

The Didinga language is close to the Boya, Murle and Tenet languages. The Didinga are divided into two main political groups, the Eastern Didinga and the Western Didinga.

Within Didinga society there exists no definite centre or political organisation, but the group exercises the tradition of a paramount chiefs. The title is inherited by a son or a brother’s son. Moreover, Didinga chiefs exercise political leadership in times of war and may summon people for organised raids against perceived enemies. In times of peace the chiefs arbitrate in disputes within their own community or with other groups.

The Didinga neighbour the Toposa to the east, the Lotuka and Lopit to the west, the Dongotono to the south-west, the Dodoth to the south and the Boya to the north. Traditionally the Didinga have had quarrels with the Toposa, the Dodoth and the Turkana of Kenya, but relatively amicable relations with the Nipose, Lango, Tetenia, Dongotono, Logir and Boya.

The Didinga group has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.