South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
At least 62 people, including 20 women, have been killed and dozens more injured following several days of communal violence in Tonj East County in Warrap State, according to a local official.
Mamer Bath Marol, the Warrap State Minister of Information, confirmed that the violence, which occurred between 28 and 29 May, resulted in 62 fatalities and 36 injuries.
The motive behind the deadly violence remains unknown.
“The latest clashes in Tonj East County, which have left 62 dead, including 20 women and 36 others wounded,” Bath said in a statement seen by the Dawn on Saturday.
Bath stated that the violence displaced over 30,000 households, primarily women and children, to Wunyiik Akok Payam, Pabuong, and Alatiep Wunlit Payam.
“The clashes have resulted in the destruction of property worth millions of South Sudanese Pounds, which is deplorable and will not go unpunished,” he said.
Bath urged both parties involved in the clashes to refrain from carrying out any further attacks.
“As the government of Warrap State, we strongly condemn the killing of innocent people and the destruction of properties perpetrated by enemies of peace.”
He offered the government’s sincere condolences to the grieving families and victims of what he referred to as “unjustified clashes.”
“Equally, the government of Warrap State is extremely distressed by the loss of lives and property,” he said.
“We are calling on the communities to end this violence, and particularly urging families affected by this uncalled-for demise and destruction to remain calm as we sort out the mess created by this vicious vice.”
He assured the public of the government’s dedication to investigating the underlying causes of the incident and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
“As a state government, we reiterate our commitment to maintaining peace and harmony among our communities and assure the public, especially the victims of this violence.”
He called on both national and humanitarian organisations to address the urgent situation by providing humanitarian aid to the victims of the devastating violence.
“We would like to reiterate our assurance to the public that the security situation has returned to normalcy in Tonj East County and that the government will leave no stone unturned in regard to this round of violence.”
