Juba, South Sudan – A group of armed men attacked a large group of herders on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people and leaving 18 others injured in the Duk county of Jonglei state. Governor Peter Latjor Chol confirmed the incident, stating that the armed robbers stole 7,000 cattle during the attack.
The wounded were transferred to treatment centers, and a security force was deployed to pursue the perpetrators of the massacre. Governor Latjor alleged that the assailants belonged to the Murle tribe, calling for an urgent investigation into the incident.
In Jonglei state, the dry season, considered summer, often witnesses an increase in violence among local herding communities of the Dinka, Nuer, and Murle tribes. The surge is attributed to raids aimed at looting cattle, along with tribal revenge and conflicts over resources, often leading to violent clashes.
Despite the central government’s attempts 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.
The incident highlights the ongoing violence and security challenges faced by herding communities in South Sudan, particularly during the dry season. The government’s efforts to impose security measures and encourage the surrender of weapons have not been fully effective in addressing the root causes of the conflict.
In conclusion, the attack in Jonglei state underscores the need for urgent and comprehensive efforts to address the underlying causes of violence and conflict among herding communities in South Sudan. The government’s initiatives aimed at imposing security measures and encouraging the surrender of weapons have not been successful in preventing such tragic incidents.