Communal violence in Tonj East leaves 26 dead, 13 injured

By Aluong Maker Aluong

At least 26 people have been killed, including 13 women, and 13 others injured as communal clashes in Tonj East County enter their third day, a local official said on Thursday.

Ngor Dhuol Mangong, Tonj East County Commissioner, told the media on Thursday that the situation remains volatile, with several houses torched.

“The violence has been going on for three days, and as I speak with you now, the fighting is still continuing. The houses have been burned down. Twelve women and 13 men have been killed in crossfire,” Dhuol said.

Dhuol stated that 13 people who were seriously injured are now receiving treatment in the hospital.

“Both the state and county governments don’t have enough forces, but we request the national government to send us the army to intervene and contain the situation,” he said.

The Warrap State Ministry of Information said in a statement issued on Thursday that the violence first erupted on 27 May 2025, at 6:00 am and escalated thereafter.

It condemned the ongoing violence in Tonj East County and urged both parties to cease fighting immediately.

“We have requested to send in 1,500 soldiers from Division Eleven to Tonj East to help minimise the situation. Additionally, we urge the national government to urgently deploy more forces to swiftly silence the current ongoing conflict in Tonj East.”

State authorities urged both conflicting communities to embrace peaceful coexistence.

“I am appealing to both fighting communities to live peacefully and avoid further fights, riots, and physical confrontations involving the firing of guns.”