South Sudan Cattle Raids Kill at Least 72 in Warrap State
Coordinated attacks involving two communities resulted in deaths, missing cattle, and burnt homes, highlighting ongoing inter-communal violence.
At least 72 people were killed during coordinated cattle raids in South Sudan's northern Warrap state, according to regional government officials. The attacks, which occurred on Monday in Tonj North county, also resulted in an unspecified number of cattle being stolen and homes being destroyed.
Officials stated that the violence involved two communities, with members from the Lou Ariik community reportedly attacking those from the Apuk Padoch community. The clashes took place near the border of Warrap and Unity states in the Akop Payam area. This latest incident follows violence on Friday that claimed eight lives.
William Wol Mayom Bol, Warrap state's information minister, confirmed the casualty figures. The state governor, Angelo Ngot Mayar, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and ordered security agencies to assist the wounded. Efforts are underway to recover the stolen cattle and apprehend those responsible for the assault.
The state has also appealed for humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, who have been left without essential resources like food, shelter, and medicine.
Deadly inter-communal violence, often fueled by disputes over cattle, is a recurring issue in South Sudan. Cattle are a significant source of wealth and pride, and are also essential for dowries. These raids can lead to cycles of revenge attacks.
Similar incidents have occurred in the region recently. In August, at least 60 people were killed and 50 injured in an attack in the same area of Warrap state, according to the conflict monitoring group Acled. In March, a related attack resulted in 58 deaths and 71 injuries.
Last year, a six-month state of emergency was declared in Warrap in an attempt to curb escalating violence. The United Nations has also voiced concerns regarding the security situation in South Sudan as the country prepares for its first general election since independence in 2011. The election has been delayed due to a previous civil war and subsequent political instability.
The presidential election was initially postponed because of the civil war, which concluded in 2018 with a peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar. However, ongoing tensions between the leaders have led to further delays. Machar was dismissed as vice-president and arrested on charges including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, which he denies. He has been under house arrest since March of the previous year.
Preparations for the upcoming elections are lagging, and human rights organizations have raised questions about the country's ability to complete necessary arrangements, such as voter registration and security measures, before the vote.