Calm is gradually returning to Tonj South of Warrap State after deadly inter-communal fighting that claimed fifteen civilians’ lives and 16 others wounded, the government said.
Speaking to the Standard Zone new on Friday, the state Information Minister and Government Spokesperson, James Ayiek Bath said clashes between armed civilians have ceased but situation remains tense.
“Now there is no more fighting in the areas although the situation is still tense.” Ayuiek stated “No more violence and the situation are calm in all parts of the greater Tonj today.”
“Only that yesterday there were communal fighting between community of Tonj South, and Jurwiir, Yar Ayiei, and Muok community over cattle, but as I speak now the situation is relatively calm,” he added.
This comes after violent erupted over cattle raid on May 1, 2025 in Tonj South County between two communities leaving 15 dead and 16 injuries.
The minister further explained that the governor of Warrap state has toured the places last month to deliver peace messages, aimed at quelling tension.
“Once the peace dialogue has failed, and now that there are renew fighting, there is no any other option but to enforce peace and rule of law in the areas. This is the measure we are working on to address the issues of insecurity,” he added.
Violence started escalating in greater Tonj after the governor of Warrap state Magok Magok visited the areas engaging the community leaders to live peacefully in the areas.
The conflict in complex. Recently, civilians from Tonj East County ambushed the South Sudan people’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), disarming them and made away with their rifles.
However, Minister Ayiek said that plans are underway to consider forceful disarmament of youth in greater Tonj counties to restore peace and stability in the region.
“For us to achieved peace, law, and order, disarmament is the necessity as the last option so that we can free the communities from such violence,” said Ayiek “When they are disarmed, we will now have chances to address the root causes of the communal violence.”
He added “We have enough forces that can overcome this armed civilian to either voluntarily surrender their arms or forcefully disarmed.”
He appealed to the youth to be ambassadors of peace and not take the law into their own hands. “My message to the armed youth is to preach peace and coexistence, and observe law and order. No any civilians are allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he appealed.
