By Scopas Bethuel
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called on the national government to take urgent action to curb a wave of intercommunal violence in Tonj East, Warrap State, that has already claimed hundreds of lives and displaced scores of residents.
Since December 2024, Tonj East has experienced a concerning increase in violence, primarily fueled by cattle raiding and cycles of revenge attacks between neighboring communities. The situation escalated dramatically in March, when more than 200 people were reportedly killed in a single outbreak of conflict.
Tensions have flared again in recent days. According to UNMISS, the renewed violence, triggered by efforts to reclaim stolen cattle and avenge earlier killings, has resulted in more than 80 new casualties. The full extent of the losses is still being verified.
“Urgent intervention is needed from the national Government to prevent the conflict from escalating to catastrophic levels and to bring communities together to peacefully resolve grievances,” said Guang Cong, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for political affairs.
In response to the crisis, UNMISS has stepped up its engagement with local and state authorities and has increased the presence of peacekeeping patrols in the region. However, access remains limited in some areas due to roadblocks and checkpoints set up by armed youth.
“While UNMISS is doing its utmost to deter further mobilization and conflict, the Government is primarily responsible for protecting civilians,” said Cong. “We, therefore, encourage the Government to rapidly deploy security services to prevent further violence and create a safe environment for community dialogue and peacebuilding.”
The mission reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue nonviolent solutions.