Top military officers, dozens killed in South Sudan clashes
June 27, 2022 (JUBA) – Dozens of people, including top military officers, were killed in clashes between the army and armed cattle herders on Tonj North County of South Sudan’s Warrap State, local officials said on Tuesday.
At least 27 people were injured when government soldiers attempted to recover cattle looted by armed civilians in Rualbet Payam on Saturday.
The attack drew widespread public condemnation, amid calls for action.
A separate attacked occurred in Central Equatoria State, prompting calls for the immediate deployment of security forces in these affected regions.
A group of armed youth believed to be from Awan Parek clan in Rualbet payam allegedly raided Aliek Payam and made off with over 125 cattle.
Soldiers deployed to recover the cattle reportedly clashed with the raiders.
Among the soldiers killed were the Military Chief of Intelligence of the 11th division of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces headquartered at Majak Tiit, Lt. Col. Akec Ciman Paac, Military Chief for Operations Maj. Santino Kuot Kuotdit and the former Mayen Jur County Commissioner Kuol Agok.
Warrap State Information minister, Riing Deng Adiing described the incident as “sad”, urging calm as authorities restore law and order in the area.
He disclosed that 18 senior and junior officers died, while some are missing.
The state minister attributed the incident to the decision of the county authorities authorizing the military in the area to go recover more than 100 cows stolen by armed youth groups from the Payams of Rualbet and Akop.
Local officials put the death toll from the attack at 43, although Sudan Tribune could not independently verify the figure.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Monday ordered an immediate end to the escalation involving communities in the Abyei administrative area against a section of Twic county in Warrap State. The clashes, which occurred on Sunday, claimed lives and destruction of properties, with each side blaming the other party.
(ST)