Two civilians suffer gunshot wounds in Majokpalou cattle raid

May 11, 2014 (RUMBEK) – Authorities in Rumbek, the capital of South Sudan’s Lakes state, say two people suffered gunshot wounds and 40 cows were stolen after unknown gunmen attacked a cattle camp in the remote village of Majokpalou.

A police officer in Wulu county, located south of Rumbek, said the attackers are believed to be pastoralists from Cueibet county.

However, Moses Majur, a cattle camp representative, denied allegations Cueibet pastoralists were involved in the raid.

“What I know is that our youth have never thought to raids any cows from elsewhere,” he told Sudan Tribune, saying he suspects youths affiliated with Lakes state’s military caretaker governor Matur Chut Dhuol of carrying out the attack as they “are the only youth moving in that direction of Majokpalou”.

Lakes state has become hub of cattle raiding and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan revenge clashes, with youth activists and traditional authorities calling for Dhuol’s removal.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit, however, has so far overlooked the calls.

Lakes state youth have refused to join military recruitment to fight against the Nuer ethnic group, leading to increased tensions with the state and central government in Juba.

(ST)