John Chatim Ruei, the Duk County Commissioner, reported that the most recent raid occurred on Sunday afternoon near Duk Padiet town, where attackers targeted grazing fields.
“Seven youths were killed during the raid, and between 1,000 and 1,500 cattle were taken,” he told Radio Tamazuj.
Local youths have reportedly mobilized to pursue the assailants and recover the stolen livestock, though the animals had not yet been retrieved.
According to Chatim, the same armed group carried out an earlier attack a day prior in Pajut town, where 503 cattle were stolen and one herder was killed.
According to Chatim, the same armed group carried out an earlier attack a day prior in Pajut town, where 503 cattle were stolen and one herder was killed.
During subsequent attempts to recover the stolen livestock, two additional youths were killed and another injured.
Authorities suspect the attackers are armed youths from the neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), citing the language spoken during the raids and the movement of the assailants eastwards after the incidents.
Authorities suspect the attackers are armed youths from the neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), citing the language spoken during the raids and the movement of the assailants eastwards after the incidents.
“Evidence from eyewitnesses indicates that the raiders spoke the local language of GPAA and retreated eastwards,” Chatim said.
However, Jacob Werchum Jouk, the information minister for the GPAA, denied involvement in the raids.
However, Jacob Werchum Jouk, the information minister for the GPAA, denied involvement in the raids.
“We are not aware of any such cattle raid. Authorities in our area have been enforcing security measures along the border,” he said.
“None of our youths crossed into Duk. These are just claims by peace spoilers.”
Cattle raids have long been a source of conflict in Jonglei and surrounding regions. Driven by competition over grazing land, water, and other resources, these raids often escalate due to the widespread availability of small arms.
Cattle raids have long been a source of conflict in Jonglei and surrounding regions. Driven by competition over grazing land, water, and other resources, these raids often escalate due to the widespread availability of small arms.
Communities in Jonglei frequently experience cycles of retaliation, which perpetuate insecurity and instability.
“The recurring raids are not just about cattle—they are about survival, power, and maintaining local influence,” said a local community elder who requested anonymity.
“The recurring raids are not just about cattle—they are about survival, power, and maintaining local influence,” said a local community elder who requested anonymity.
“Every attack creates tension between communities and increases the risk of prolonged conflict.”
Humanitarian organizations have warned that repeated cattle raids exacerbate food insecurity in the region.
Humanitarian organizations have warned that repeated cattle raids exacerbate food insecurity in the region.
Many households rely on livestock as their primary source of livelihood, and the loss of cattle can have devastating effects on families’ ability to afford food, education, and healthcare.
Local leaders are calling for stronger security measures to protect communities in vulnerable areas.
Local leaders are calling for stronger security measures to protect communities in vulnerable areas.
“We need better border security, more patrols, and collaboration between counties to prevent these attacks,” Chatim said.
He urged neighboring administrations to cooperate and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
The South Sudanese government has previously attempted to curb cattle raids through disarmament campaigns and peace-building initiatives, though success has been limited.
The South Sudanese government has previously attempted to curb cattle raids through disarmament campaigns and peace-building initiatives, though success has been limited.
Analysts say that insecurity persists due to weak law enforcement, porous borders, and entrenched inter-communal disputes.
“Cattle raids are symptomatic of deeper challenges in Jonglei State, including competition over scarce resources, unresolved ethnic tensions, and the proliferation of small arms,” said political analyst Esther Ajok.
“Cattle raids are symptomatic of deeper challenges in Jonglei State, including competition over scarce resources, unresolved ethnic tensions, and the proliferation of small arms,” said political analyst Esther Ajok.
“Without long-term strategies to address these root causes, such raids are likely to continue.”
Efforts by civil society and local authorities to mediate peace between affected communities have occasionally reduced violence, but these solutions are often fragile.
Efforts by civil society and local authorities to mediate peace between affected communities have occasionally reduced violence, but these solutions are often fragile.
Elders and traditional authorities are frequently called upon to negotiate restitution, but retaliatory attacks remain common.
“The key to lasting peace is building trust between communities, sharing resources fairly, and strengthening local security mechanisms,” said a representative from a Jonglei-based NGO.
“The key to lasting peace is building trust between communities, sharing resources fairly, and strengthening local security mechanisms,” said a representative from a Jonglei-based NGO.
“Immediate interventions are necessary to prevent further loss of life and property.”
As of now, the Duk County authorities are coordinating with local youth groups to pursue the raiders and recover the stolen cattle. No official arrests have yet been reported, and investigations are ongoing.
As of now, the Duk County authorities are coordinating with local youth groups to pursue the raiders and recover the stolen cattle. No official arrests have yet been reported, and investigations are ongoing.
Authorities continue to appeal for calm among communities, stressing the need to avoid retaliatory attacks that could escalate the situation further.
0 Comments