At least 39 people were killed and dozens wounded in violent clashes between rival cattle herder groups in South Sudan, officials confirmed on Friday.
The tragic incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, has reignited concerns about ongoing intercommunal tensions in the war-torn nation.
According to William Wol Mayom, the information minister for northwest Warrap state, 19 herders from his region lost their lives in the conflict.
Meanwhile, Major Elijah Mabor Makuac, a police spokesman from neighboring Lakes State, reported 20 fatalities within his jurisdiction.
The exact cause of the clashes remains unclear, but authorities suspect competition for grazing land and water resources may have played a role.
Cattle herding forms a vital part of South Sudan’s economy and culture, but disputes over these essential resources frequently escalate into violent confrontations.
“This senseless violence is deeply concerning,” stated a representative from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), expressing condolences to the affected families.
“We urge all parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful solutions to their differences.”
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges South Sudan faces in fostering stability and reconciliation after years of civil war.
Efforts to disarm militias and mediate intercommunal conflicts have yielded mixed results, and sporadic outbreaks of violence continue to plague the nation.
The international community has called for accountability for those responsible for the recent deaths and renewed its commitment to supporting peacebuilding initiatives in South Sudan. However, with tensions simmering and resources scarce, the path towards lasting peace remains fraught with difficulties.