At least 20 people were killed and 38 others injured in a violent clash on Saturday in Tonj North County, Warrap State, as reported by local officials. The deadly altercation occurred between two sections of the Lou community in Alebek Payam, allegedly fueled by criminal instigation.
William Wol Mayom, the State Information Minister, confirmed to local radio on Sunday that the confrontation is linked to prior inter-communal violence in the region.
“At around 11 AM on the 12th of this month, fighting reignited between Pan Ariik of Alebek Payam in Tonj North County,” Minister Mayom stated. “The incident claimed the lives of 20 individuals and resulted in over 38 others sustaining injuries from both sides.”
Efforts by the state government to control the escalating situation have been hampered by severe flooding that has left roads impassable.
In response, security forces have implemented roadblocks to curb the flow of ammunition into the conflict zone.
“We deployed security forces along key routes to block the transport of ammunition, and just yesterday, the acting county commissioner arrested three individuals attempting to smuggle arms into the area,” Mayom added.
The Minister called for calm as the state awaits a final battlefield report from county officials, fearing that the number of casualties may rise.
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani condemned the violence, highlighting the vulnerability of women, children, and people with disabilities amid the ongoing floods.
“This violence is a blatant violation of human rights and comes at a time when vulnerable groups are suffering the most from the floods,” said Yakani, who also serves as the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO). He urged President Salva Kiir to offer a long-term solution to break the cycle of violence in Warrap State.
On Friday, President Kiir instructed Warrap State’s newly appointed Governor, Francis Marial Abur, to take swift action to address the escalating conflict. The president urged Governor Abur to use his political influence and elder status to foster peace and unity within the state.
Despite a reduction in large-scale conflict following the 2018 peace agreement between President Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar, inter-communal violence—often attributed to political manipulation—has seen a worrying rise in various parts of South Sudan.