20 killed in communal fighting in Tonj North
By Simon Deng
At least 20 people have been confirmed killed on Saturday during communal fighting between two sections of Lou Ariik community in Warrap State.
The fighting which took place in Akok boma of Alabek Payam in Tonj North County left 38 other people wounded, said William Wol Mayom, the Warrap State Minister of Information in an interview on Sunday.
Mayom revealed that the renewed clashes followed earlier clashes between the two sections on September 28th, 2024 which left 21 people killed.
“The situation is currently normalizing but tension is still there, and the wounded are still yet to get urgent medical care,” he said.
Mangar Ayiai, the Acting Commissioner of Tonj North County said that three persons suspected to have smuggled ammunition to fuel the fighting in Alabek payam between the two sides have been apprehended by security forces.
Since 2019, South Sudan has been experiencing a surge in communal violence in Jonglei, Warrap and Lakes states mainly due to cattle rustling, child abduction and revenge killings.
