South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
At least 16 people were killed and over 50 others wounded in intercommunal fighting on Sunday among the communities of Wureng Payam in Rumbek North, Lakes State, officials said.
William Koji, Acting Minister of Information and Communication for Lakes State, stated that the violence, which involved two sections of Wureng in Rumbek North, occurred in a remote, swampy area of Rumbek Centre.
“Yesterday, two groups from two subsections within the Nielniel clan met in an open space and began shooting at each other. Sixteen people died in the incident, and more than 50 were injured,” Koji said in an interview on Monday.
“The government has taken measures to separate them. This conflict involves sections within Rumbek North, and they have unresolved issues that have persisted for nearly two or three years,” he added.
Koji revealed that the Lakes State government and partners, including Peace Canal, have been attempting to reconcile the warring communities on the ground, noting that security measures have been implemented to quell the violence.
“The violence stems from issues of elopement or revenge killings; the spirit of revenge continues to exist. Whenever they meet, they start fighting each other. They are still making threats, but forces have been deployed to stop the fighting,” he said.
Koji mentioned that those with serious injuries are being treated at Rumbek Hospital, while individuals with minor injuries remain unaccounted for. He added that the government will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the fighting.
“In the past, peace dialogues were initiated, security measures were established, and some individuals were arrested and fined, yet some still engage in acts of violence. They choose not to pursue peace; however, the rest of the communities in Rumbek North are peaceful,” Koji stated.
“The violence has been ongoing for the last three years, with the most recent incident occurring three months ago. Security personnel have been deployed to ensure that fighting does not resume. Anyone who instigates violence will be held accountable,” he concluded.
