Armed Youth Attack Cattle Keepers in South Sudan, Prompting UN Response

On April 26, 2024, armed youth from South Sudan's Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) launched an assault on cattle keepers in Kapoeta East county of Eastern Equatoria state. The assault resulted in deaths, abductions of women and children, and theft of cattle, according to local officials.

Louis Lobong, the governor of Eastern Equatoria state, strongly condemned the killings and abductions. He called on authorities in Pibor to recover the abducted children and ensure the perpetrators face justice. "I will communicate with the government in Pibor to facilitate the return of the abducted children and hold the perpetrators accountable," Lobong stated.

In response to the violence, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) sent additional peacekeeping troops to reinforce its bases in the conflict hotspots of Western Equatoria and the Greater Pibor region. UNMISS also launched urgent integrated patrols to the affected locations to assess the situation, prevent further bloodshed, and support efforts to de-escalate tensions between the communities.

The UN mission facilitated a visit by Governor Lobong and other state officials to the site of the attack to evaluate the circumstances and help restore calm. UNMISS urged GPAA authorities to secure the release of the abducted individuals, reunite them with their families, and impose the rule of law to deter future incidents.

Why this matters: The attack highlights the ongoing challenges of intercommunal violence and instability in South Sudan, despite efforts to maintain peace following years of civil war. The involvement of the UN mission underscores the international community's commitment to supporting the young nation's path towards lasting stability and development.

UNMISS also reported heightened intercommunal tensions in Tambura county of Western Equatoria state, following a series of violent incidents. These included killings of civilians, the disappearance of a peace committee member, and the burning of homes, resulting in the displacement of over 17,000 people. Approximately 13,000 sought refuge at a temporary UN peacekeeping base, while another 4,000 arrived at a separate displacement camp.

The GPAA government announced it has initiated an investigation into the April 26 attack and dispatched commissioners to assess the situation and identify the suspected criminals. Governor Lobong emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "The perpetrators must face justice for these heinous acts against innocent civilians."

Key Takeaways

• Armed youth from GPAA attacked cattle keepers in Kapoeta East, resulting in deaths and abductions.
• UNMISS sent additional peacekeepers and launched patrols to assess the situation and prevent further violence.
• Heightened intercommunal tensions in Tambura county led to killings, disappearances, and displacement of over 17,000.
• GPAA government initiated an investigation and dispatched commissioners to identify the suspected criminals.
• Governor Lobong called for accountability and the return of the abducted children to their families.