Authorities in Rumbek North County, Lakes State, have banned the brewing and sale of locally produced alcohol following violent clashes between the Pan Adieng and Payueth sub-clans. The clashes occurred on Tuesday at the Malueth Payam headquarters, where a peace dialogue was being facilitated. Three people were killed and two wounded in the violence. Caretaker County Commissioner Buoi Mayek attributed the clashes to armed youths under the influence of alcohol.
The violence disrupted a peace dialogue between the Manuer and Gak sections of the Pakam community. Commissioner Mayek stated that the two sub-clans involved in the clashes fall under the same traditional leadership. He identified the traditional leader as Makol Chadhan. Mayek has given local chiefs seven days to identify and hand over those responsible for the violence for investigation.
Commissioner Mayek blamed locally brewed alcohol, made using yeast and ginger, for triggering the violence. He directed payam administrators to arrest anyone found brewing alcohol or possessing ingredients used in its production. Offenders will face three months in detention. The security situation in Malueth Payam has since calmed, with no further attacks reported.
A separate exchange of gunfire involving members of the Pajong sub-clan was reported to be an isolated incident. Commissioner Mayek assured that the situation is under control. The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in Lakes State condemned the killings and urged the government to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
Daniel Laat Kon, coordinator of CEPO in Lakes State, called on victims' families to allow the authorities to handle the case. He urged the government to disarm armed youths and regulate alcohol production and consumption. Kon warned that the combination of firearms and alcohol is contributing to killings in the region.
Kon emphasized the need for authorities to strengthen civilian protection as South Sudan approaches general elections. The ban on local alcohol brewing aims to prevent similar incidents in the future. The authorities are working to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The situation in Rumbek North County remains calm, with efforts underway to prevent further violence. The government has reiterated its commitment to investigating the clashes and holding those responsible accountable. The community is working towards peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- Authorities in Rumbek North County ban local alcohol brewing after clashes between sub-clans leave three dead and two wounded.
- The clashes were attributed to armed youths under the influence of locally brewed alcohol.
- The government has vowed to investigate and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.
