Attackers raid South Sudan cattle camps, kill 35

At least 35 people were killed and 46 wounded in a brutal attack on cattle camps in southeastern South Sudan last week, a community leader reported. The attack, carried out by unidentified assailants, highlights the ongoing violence and instability that continue to plague the country despite the end of the 2013-2018 civil war.

Cattle raiding, often fueled by competition for scarce resources and driven by deep-seated ethnic tensions, remains a major source of conflict in South Sudan. The country, awash with weapons after decades of war, has seen numerous instances of violence between rival communities, often centered around the theft of livestock.

“On January 31, the Dinka Bor cattle camps were attacked,” Mayom Ateny, a community leader, told Reuters. He reported that 11,000 head of cattle were also stolen during the attack.

Cattle hold significant cultural and economic value in South Sudan. They are often used as bride wealth and serve as a primary source of wealth and social status.

The attack has drawn condemnation from the international community. Nicholas Haysom, head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), expressed deep concern over the escalating violence between cattle keepers and farming communities in Eastern Equatoria. “Such attacks and counter-attacks must stop,” Haysom stated in a press release, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize peaceful resolution of conflicts.

While the main belligerents of the 2013-2018 civil war have signed a peace agreement, violence continues to erupt across the country. The presence of armed groups and the proliferation of weapons contribute to a volatile security environment, hindering efforts towards lasting peace and stability.

This attack underscores the urgent need for sustainable peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan. Addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and access to resources, is crucial to prevent future violence and ensure the safety and security of all South Sudanese citizens.

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