Juba, South Sudan – A violent attack took place in the east of South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people and leaving 18 others injured. The incident occurred in Duk county of Jonglei state, during a cattle robbery, according to Governor Peter Latjor Chol.
The armed robbers stole 7,000 cattle from a large group of herders, after “killing 22 young people and injuring another 18,” said Governor Chol. In response to the attack, the authorities have transferred the wounded to treatment centers and dispatched a security force to pursue the perpetrators.
It is alleged by Governor Chol that the assailants were from the Murle tribe, prompting calls for an urgent investigation. This attack is not an isolated incident, as the dry season, considered summer, often witnesses an increase in violence among local herding communities of the Dinka, Nuer, and Murle tribes in Jonglei state.
These violent clashes are attributed to raids aimed at looting cattle, tribal revenge, and conflicts over resources. Despite the central government’s efforts to impose security measures on herding communities in South Sudan, challenges persist due to resistance against arms surrender campaigns.
Initiatives aimed at encouraging the surrender of weapons have not garnered the expected response from these communities, leading to ongoing security concerns in the region.
In summary, South Sudan’s Jonglei state has been the site of a tragic attack, resulting in the death of 22 individuals and the injury of 18 others during a cattle robbery. The violence is attributed to the dry season and ongoing conflicts among local herding communities, despite government efforts to impose security measures.