A violent incident occurred on Monday at the Malueth Payam headquarters in Rumbek North County, Lakes State, during a peace dialogue between the Gak and Manuer sections of the Pakam community. Caretaker county commissioner Buoi Mayek Kuc reported that at least three people were killed and two others wounded. The incident happened at about 5 p.m. when armed youths disagreed and started firing at each other.
According to Commissioner Kuc, the violence started when drunk, armed youths disagreed and began firing at each other. One victim was killed in crossfire, while the other was an isolated incident. The victims were from the same community, and authorities are investigating the incident. No suspect has been arrested yet, but Kuc has ordered local chiefs to produce the suspects within seven days for investigation.
Commissioner Kuc attributed the violence to alcohol consumption among armed youths and stated that the incident involved members of the Pan Adieng and Payueth communities. He ordered Payam administrators to detain for three months anyone found brewing alcohol or possessing ingredients used to make it, including yeast and ginger. Kuc also banned the sale of alcohol in the area, saying, "My message to the people of Rumbek as a caretaker commissioner of Rumbek North County is that I don’t want anybody to sell alcohol."
Daniel Laat Kon, chairperson of the Civil Society Organizations Network in Lakes State, condemned the killings and called on the government to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. He urged the victims' families to allow the government to handle the case and renewed calls for the disarmament of armed youths in Lakes State, citing widespread firearm possession and alcohol consumption as contributing factors to recurring violence.
Laat Kon emphasized the need for the government to regulate locally brewed alcohol and strengthen civilian protection, especially as the country approaches elections. "This is when you will not hear these incidents and also regulate alcohol and consumption. These are the contributing factors to the most killings that happen when people are drunk," he said. He also called on authorities to be vigilant and provide protection to civilians in Lakes State.
Lakes State has experienced repeated deadly intercommunal clashes, including fighting in Rumbek North in September 2025 that killed at least 16 people and wounded 52. In October 2026, renewed fighting in the Rumbek area killed 60 people and wounded 78, according to state authorities, while about 500 families were temporarily displaced. The recent incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the area.
The caretaker commissioner reported that the situation in Malueth had calmed, and no further attacks had been reported. The government has been urged to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident highlights the challenges of maintaining peace and security in Lakes State, particularly in the face of recurring intercommunal violence and widespread firearm possession.
Key points
- The violence occurred during a peace dialogue between the Gak and Manuer sections of the Pakam community.
- The incident resulted in at least three deaths and two injuries.
- The government has ordered investigations and taken measures to regulate alcohol consumption and prevent future incidents.
