Government needs to do more on resolving the conflict in Tambura

The renewed fighting in Tambura County has displaced nearly 17,000 civilians, and yet there seems to be an end in sight to this carnage that could spill over to neighboring areas that are peaceful.

The  Avungura-led militia reportedly backed by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), and the Balanda militia with alleged support from the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in opposition (SPLA-IO) have been fighting since June 2021 in Tambura.

Previous fighting in Tambura in 2022, between these two sides, displaced roughly 80,000 civilians has political undertones.

The conflict fueled by local political rivary broke out when Alfred Futiyo Karaba was appointed Governor of Western Equatoria State.

Futuyo subscribes to the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in opposition (SPLM-IO) led by fFirst Vice President Riek Machar, and just like in Kajo Keji, Leer County and elsewhere where the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces have been engaged in turf war with SPLA-IO, the same is happening in Tambura.

President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar have the power to end this butcher in Tambura, before the people withdraw their trust in the transitional unity government the two are leading.