Violent clashes in South Sudan

Violent clashes between rival communities in the Rumbek region of central South Sudan have resulted in approximately 70 deaths, including four soldiers, according to the South Sudanese Ministry of Information. The fighting took place on Friday and involved armed youth from the Pakam and Nyang communities, both part of the Dinka ethnic group.

Casualties and overwhelmed facilities

The death toll remains provisional as local health facilities have been overwhelmed by the influx of injured. The violence has caused panic among the population, with many families fleeing their homes to avoid gunfire. Local resident Mbabazi Riesty Loduma described the fighting as intense, with exchanges of fire resulting in several deaths.

International and local response

Government forces and United Nations peacekeepers have intervened to protect civilians and restore security. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) deployed its Nepalese peacekeepers to secure the Rumbek hospital, conduct patrols, and evacuate threatened individuals. This intervention was praised by residents and humanitarian actors.

Humanitarian impact and security measures

Angelina Adhel, a humanitarian worker in Rumbek, emphasized the importance of UNMISS’s presence, stating that without it, belongings could have been looted and some colleagues could have been killed due to their origins. To prevent further escalation, the Lakes State authorities have increased the security forces’ presence in affected areas. Mabor Deng, spokesperson for the governor of the Lakes State, confirmed that patrols are now operating 24 hours a day to secure movement and allow displaced people to return home.

Root causes of the violence

In this region of South Sudan, disputes over livestock ownership, access to grazing land, and cycles of retaliation regularly fuel violence between communities. While these tensions are a recurring source of instability, the immediate cause of the recent clashes has not yet been identified. The incident underscores the fragility of the security situation in the Lakes State, where protecting civilians and enabling the return of displaced persons remain significant challenges.