Devastating Armed Raid on South Sudan Cattle Camp Leaves at Least 49 Dead

Sudanese refugees wait for their turn to get drinking water from a muddy pond in Gerbana, a village 22km (14 miles) from the Sudanese border, South Sudan.

Local officials report that an armed raid on a seasonal cattle camp and village in the northwest of South Sudan has resulted in the deaths of at least 49 people. The assault, which additionally left 33 individuals wounded, occurred early on Thursday. Gunmen targeted the Machar-Pakuek cattle camp and Mading Juer Boma in Majak Payam, Tonj North County, Warrap State, according to an official statement.

South Sudan, a young African nation, frequently suffers from violent cattle raids as herders struggle for limited grazing lands and water resources for their livestock.

Warrap spokesperson William Wol Mayom Bol stated, “The attack was perpetuated by an armed cross-border, criminal network.” He added, “We extend heartfelt condolences to the families that lost loved ones in the attack and appeal for restraint.”

The local government strongly condemned the assault and urged humanitarian organizations to assist in addressing the severe crisis stemming from conflict-induced displacement.

This violent incident occurs barely three weeks after another raid in the identical region claimed 60 lives and left 50 people injured. Last year, President Salva Kiir established a six-month state of emergency throughout South Sudan due to a dramatic rise in violent inter-communal cattle raids. Furthermore, Anita Kiki Gbeho, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), raised alarms earlier this month regarding the ongoing cycle of communal violence in locations such as Warrap.