At least 60 people have been killed and 50 others wounded in clashes in Tonj North County, Warrap State, following separate attacks in the Ariec cattle camp in Akop Payam, according to William Wol Mayom Bol, Minister of Information, Warrap State.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 10, Bol said the attacks occurred at about 4am on Sunday, August 9, and involved armed men from neighbouring Unity State and local groups.
Bol said a suspected coordinated attack was carried out against the Pan-Ariik sub-clan of Akook Boma, while another attack targeted communities in the Ariec cattle camp.
According to Bol, 37 people from Pan-Ariik, 11 from Apuk Padoc and 15 attackers described as armed Nuer men were killed in the separate attacks.
He said the violence also resulted in the looting of property and the loss of an unspecified number of livestock.
“Both separate attacks resulted into the killing of 60 people,” Bol said in the statement.
A further 50 people were wounded, according to the minister. He said 17 of those injured had been transferred to Wau for specialised medical treatment, while the rest were receiving treatment at Athieng-Puol Primary Health Care Unit.
Bol condemned the attacks and expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones.
“Our hearts pour out to the families who lost loved ones, and we stand in solidarity with the affected community during this difficult time,” he said.
He described the violence as a threat to peace and stability and called for action against those responsible.
“The senseless act of violence is a direct violation of peace and stability efforts in the region,” Bol said.
The minister said the Warrap State government, under Governor Bol Wek Agoth, had directed the immediate deployment of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and other organised forces to the affected areas.
The deployment, he said, is intended to restore order, protect civilians and prevent further retaliatory attacks.
The latest violence has renewed concerns over insecurity in Greater Tonj, where communal and cattle-related conflicts have periodically resulted in deadly clashes.
The clashes also come as South Sudan prepares for national elections scheduled for December, raising concerns about the possible impact of insecurity on peace and electoral preparations.
