Africa-Press – South-Sudan. As South Sudan struggles through another year; intercommunal violence paints a grim picture of the first 36 days of 2024. Over 150 lives have been lost and 165 injured in a string of deadly clashes that have swept across the country between January 1st and February 6th.
The year began with a brutal attack in Abyei on January 28th, where armed youth from neighboring Warrap state supported by elements loyal to spiritual leader Gai Machiek stormed the region, leaving 52 dead and 64 wounded.
This incident was followed by another on February 4th, claiming 37 lives and injuring 36 in clashes also attributed to Warrap youth and gunmen linked to Machiek.
Violence has not been contained to specific regions. On January 31st, fighting along the Warrap-Lakes states border left 38 dead and 52 injured.
In Western Bahr el Ghazal, an attack on February 5, Jur River County left 20 dead, with the exact number of casualties unknown due to limited access for media.
In Akobo County of Jonglei State, suspected Murle armed youth killed 2 people and injured 10 others on February 4.
Even seemingly peaceful events have turned deadly. A separate attack on a funeral in Panyijiar County of Unity State left 1 dead and 3 wounded.
In a statement commenting on the figures, the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) voiced grave concerns about the escalating violence, particularly in Abyei.
CEPO’s Executive Director Edmund Yakani described the situation as “taking a disturbing shape that can be described as a crime against humanity or genocide.” Yakani highlighted the alarming number of deaths despite the peace agreement.
“These records were not registered after the signing of the revitalized agreement… Recently armed communal violence not limited to Twic Mayardit verses Ngok Dinka is deadly with high records of commitment of human atrocities among the conflicting communities,” he stated.
Yakani welcomed yesterday’s meeting between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Riek Machar, where they called for action to address the violence.
“This is a positive response to our advocacy and lobby of CEPO. It is encouraging if the top political leadership of the country can meet in seeking solutions,” he said.
The prominent activist emphasized the urgent need for political leaders to prioritize the safety and security of civilians.
“The top political leadership of the country is urgently required to demonstrate primary responsibility of ensuring the safety, protection and security of civilians is their basic objective of their current political leadership,” he said.
“Insecurity in several parts of the country are real undermining human growth and societal development,” he added.
These incidents, though tragic, are only a glimpse into the wider picture. Politically motivated killings are not accounted for, and the true number of victims likely exceeds the official figures due to restricted media access in many areas.
Experts warn that these escalating clashes further destabilize an already fragile nation. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has always urged all parties to lay down their arms and engage in peaceful dialogue.
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