Cattle raid attacks in South Sudan leave dozens dead and wounded

In South Sudan's Jonglei State, an attack on cattle camps in Duk County resulted in the deaths of 35 people. Armed individuals targeted the camps on Sunday, February 2, leaving several others wounded and stealing numerous cattle. John Deng, a community leader in Duk County, highlighted the recurring violence related to cattle raids, often driven by disputes over resources and ethnic tensions. The government has struggled to curb these incidents, which continue to undermine peace efforts in the region.

Authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators of the latest attack, and no group has claimed responsibility. Local officials are calling for increased security measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further violence. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed concern over the escalating violence and urged all parties to engage in dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict.

Additionally, at least 41 people, including women and children, were killed in an attack on a cattle camp in Nyolo village, Eastern Equatoria State, last week. The assault, which took place early Friday morning, also left 65 others wounded, with several individuals still missing. An official statement described the incident as a “cold-blooded massacre targeting unarmed civilians,” warning of escalating violence in the region. UNMISS expressed deep concern over the growing conflict between cattle herders and settled farming communities, which has forced many residents to flee their homes.

The attack triggered retaliatory clashes in nearby villages, heightening fears of further violence. In response, UNMISS announced plans to deploy peacekeepers to the affected areas to help restore stability.