Renewed clashes between two rival sections in Tonj East County, Warrap State, have resulted in at least four deaths and an unspecified number of injuries. The fighting between the Nyang-rup and Nyang-wier sections began on Thursday at around 4 PM over a dispute linked to land and cattle. According to Warrap State Caretaker Minister of Information Wol Mayom, the conflict was instigated by a girl elopement issue between the two rival clans.
The clashes continued into early Friday morning in the Romich area, with the same sections involved. Minister Mayom stated that the security situation remained tense, with reports of continued fighting in the area. The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and other security forces have been deployed to Tonj East County headquarters and other affected areas to contain the violence and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring communities.
The state government has condemned the violence and appealed to the rival communities to remain calm as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the clashes. Minister Mayom expressed condolences to the families of those killed and assured that the government would consider additional measures to resolve the dispute and restore lasting peace once the fighting had stopped.
The clashes have raised concerns about the security situation in Warrap State. The deployment of security forces aims to prevent the violence from escalating and spreading to other areas. The government has urged the public to remain calm and to provide information that could help in resolving the conflict.
The conflict between the Nyang-rup and Nyang-wier sections is not an isolated incident. Inter-communal violence has been a recurring issue in South Sudan, often sparked by disputes over land, cattle, or other resources. The government has faced challenges in addressing these underlying issues and restoring lasting peace to the region.
The incident has also highlighted the need for the government to address the root causes of inter-communal violence. The state government has reiterated its commitment to finding a lasting solution to the conflict and restoring peace to the affected communities.
The situation in Tonj East County remains volatile, with ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire and restore calm. Key efforts include establishing a lasting peace agreement between the rival sections and addressing the underlying issues that led to the conflict.
Key points
- At least four people killed in clashes between Nyang-rup and Nyang-wier sections
- Security forces deployed to contain violence and prevent spread to neighbouring communities
- Government to consider additional measures to resolve dispute and restore lasting peace
