Inter-Communal Conflicts Spark In Tonj East And Tonj North Counties In Warrap State

More than 40 people have been killed in clashes last week between communities in Tonj North and Tonj East Counties.

The Commissioner of Tonj East County revealed that the conflict started on October 8. The clashes sparked when armed pastoralists attempted to raid Warabyei Cattle Camp within Thiik Community’s territory.

The newly appointed Commissioner, Biar Biar Mawien said the attackers believed to have come from Luanyjang area were pursued and that raided cattle were brought back however, exchange of fire continued among the armed youths.

“The fighting occurred on 8th October.  This is very unfortunate. It occurred at a time when I just arrived to take over my duties since my appointment to be a Commissioner. It has continued since then. Our inadequate security forces are working hard to control the situation in the area,” Biar said.

Biar said that in a different scenario the driver of Warrap’s Caretaker governor was shot dead in a car he was driving on his way to Romic, Tonj East County.

An anonymous local source said that the two cars were being driven at very high speed through villages and the youths mistook them for being smugglers of bullets.

The convoy was not accompanied by any government security personnel according to sources who were at the scene.

“Two cars were coming from Kuacjok to Romic town, the Tonj East County’s Headquarters. They were coming there because the governor decided to charter to Tonj East from Juba to help in calming down the situation. Unfortunately, the cars entered into an ambush. The governor’s driver was shot and killed before reaching Romic,” he said.

Meanwhile, local citizens in Thiik Community have said that over 12 villages in the area have been burnt down by attackers from Luanyjang including Riau, Rumabet, Maker Padukguer, adukjiel  Rai and Warthou villages.

Sources have also added that suspected Agaar pastoralists from Lakes State in Luanyjang area got involved in the conflict in support of Luanyjang community against Thiik and the allied communities.

When asked about the casualties, Biar said details of the clashes have not yet been reported accurately because the armed youths are still fighting at several border areas.

The neighbouring Tonj East’s Communities have also registered land dispute over the ownership of Loldit area in their shared border area of both Dinka subsections.

Biar has appealed to both communities to stop the war and seek peaceful means to resolve their problems adding that his administration will facilitate any peaceful method to bring peace back to Tonj East County.

Warrap’s Information Minister, Hon. Ariec Mayar Ariec, has also added that other communities neighbouring Thiik Dinka subsection are fighting side by side against Luanyjang communities and that the clashes may grow bigger if not controlled immediately.