The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has strongly condemned the escalating violence between border communities in Lakes and Unity states.
CEPO’s Executive Director, Edmund Yakani, expressed deep concern over ongoing cattle raids and attacks involving youth from Rumbek North of Lakes State and Panyijiar County of Unity State.
Yakani described the situation as deteriorating, with families living in fear and displacement, saying, “Our sons and daughters are suffering. This violence, masked as cattle raiding, is tearing communities apart.”
The activist urged President Salva Kiir to investigate and punish those responsible for fueling the conflict, including political elites allegedly inciting violence.
“We have seen some politicians contributing to this unrest. They must be held accountable,” Yakani stated.
The call for action follows a deadly ambush near Shambe Port in Lakes State, where over 40 traders were feared dead, according to Panyijiar County Commissioner Gabriel Bol Majiok. The attack is believed to be linked to the ongoing intercommunal tensions.
Despite repeated commitments from both state governments, the violence persists. Yakani warned that the conflict could escalate further if not urgently addressed, appealing to the youth to resist being manipulated by political actors and to stop participating in violent raids.
CEPO continues to monitor the situation and has pledged to expose individuals responsible for inciting conflict. “This must end. We need peace, and we need accountability,” Yakani concluded.
