JUBA, South Sudan (AP) – A devastating attack in the east of South Sudan resulted in the killing of 22 people and the injury of 18 others on Saturday. The incident took place in Duk county of Jonglei state, where a group of armed men launched an attack during a cattle robbery, according to Governor Peter Latjor Chol.
The armed robbers targeted a large group of herders, stealing 7,000 cattle and causing a tragic loss of life. The wounded were promptly transferred to treatment centers, and a security force was dispatched to pursue the perpetrators of the massacre.
Governor Latjor alleged that the assailants were from the Murle tribe and called for an urgent investigation into the matter. The Jonglei state, known for an increase in violence during the dry season, experiences conflicts among local herding communities of the Dinka, Nuer, and Murle tribes.
The surge in violence is often related to raids aimed at looting cattle, tribal revenge, and conflicts over resources, leading to violent clashes. Despite efforts by the central government to impose security measures on herding communities in South Sudan, challenges persist due to resistance against arms surrender campaigns.
Initiatives to encourage the surrender of weapons have faced resistance from these communities, leading to ongoing security concerns. The devastating attack has once again highlighted the need for urgent measures to address the root causes of violence and conflict in the region.
In total, 22 people lost their lives, and 18 were injured in a brutal attack during a cattle robbery in the east of South Sudan. The assailants, allegedly from the Murle tribe, caused widespread devastation, prompting calls for an urgent investigation into the matter. The incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges of violence and conflict within local herding communities in the region.