Scores killed, dozens injured in Juba-Bor road attack

May 09, 2016 (JUBA) – Scores of people were on Saturday killed and several others injured in Mongalla, a Central Equatoria state town located along the Juba-Bor road.

“We lost three soldiers and counted eight attackers. They [attackers] are identified as member of Mundari tribe,” a military officer in Mongalla told Sudan Tribune by phone.

The Mongalla county commissioner, Elario Paul Pataki confirmed the clashes, but declined to avail further details.

“The attack started on Saturday and the armed men launched four raids on the town and were repulsed,” a soldier, who did not want to be identified, said Monday.

Aid agencies say at least 3,000 people have been displaced as a result of the attack.

Bor county commissioner, Mamer Ruuk confirmed the gruesome attack on Monday.

“We were having a boat that was travelling from Juba to Bor. When they passed Mongala, a distance of a kilometer unfortunately, they were caught up in the fire, when the Mundari youth were fighting the SPLA [Sudan People’s Liberation Army]. The Mundari were on the other side of the River Nile and SPLA in the Mongala town,” explained Ruuk.

According to Ruuk, his Gemeza county counterpart, Henry Lado visited the scene of the incident after the shooting. Officials, however, said it was still difficult to establish which group shot at the boat at the time the army battled the Mundari youth.

This incident comes two days after the Mundari of Terekeka state and the Bari of Jubek state disputed over ownership of Mongala. While the Bari claimed the county falls under Jubek, the Mundari say it is a payam within Gemeza county.

(ST)