A civil society activist has condemned deadly inter-communal conflict in Tonj East County, Warrap State, where fierce fighting between the Jalwau and Luacjang communities has reportedly resulted in 26 fatalities.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progressive Organization (CEPO), urged the leadership in Juba to respond swiftly to de-escalate tensions in Tonj East County.
He voiced concern over what he described as the Juba leadership’s inaction and failure to act effectively, citing the deaths of South Sudanese citizens who, he stated, should be protected by the government.
“We see silence from Juba and no effective response, as if our brothers and sisters in Tonj who are dying there are not human beings, are not South Sudanese,” Yakani appealed. “Our appeal to the leaders is that this particular situation unfolding in Tonj East and some parts of Warrap State requires an effective response.”
The activist further asserted that the deadly conflict in Tonj East County is politically motivated, warning that he would name politicians behind the violence.
“We are aware of individuals who are fuelling this deadly violence in Tonj East and parts of Warrap State,” he warned. “The time has come for us to state that this is the last time we will address this violence without naming you. From now on, we are prepared to name those individuals fueling the violence.”
The civil society leader also warned that politicians in other parts of the country who are fuelling communal violence for political gain would also be exposed.
“So we would like to communicate that we are tired of appealing,” Yakani stated. “The time has come for us to name you individually. Whatever rank, whatever position you’re holding in the country, we do not fear.”
In response to the incident, Warrap State authorities on Thursday announced a plan to deploy 1,500 troops to Tonj East County to quell the violence.
“In response to this incident, the government has taken immediate action to stop this senseless violence in Tonj East and other parts of Tonj. We have requested to send in 1,500 soldiers from Division Eleven to Tonj East to help minimize the situation,” read the statement.
State authorities also condemned the violence and urged the communities of Bach, Jalwau, and Luacjang to cease hostilities.
“On behalf of the government, I am appealing to both fighting communities to live peacefully and avoid further fights, road, night, and physical confrontations involving the firing of guns. We also urge everyone to prioritize the safety and well-being of their communities and to allow the cultivation to begin peacefully,” the statement continued.
Tonj East County Commissioner Ngor Dhuol Mangong told the media that numerous individuals have been wounded.
“The situation is beyond our control. I am only staying with ten soldiers at the county headquarters, and I cannot manage to intervene,” Dhuol stated on Thursday.
Warrap State has consistently faced insecurity related to inter-communal violence and revenge killings. While several governors have attempted to address these issues, the widespread presence of arms in the hands of civilians has proven to be a significant challenge.
In a recent incident, armed civilians ambushed 13 South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) personnel traveling to Tonj East on May 1, 2025. The assailants disarmed the soldiers and made off with their rifles.
The government’s deployment of troops aims to restore order and prevent further loss of life.
