Activist condemns Eastern Equatoria killings, calls for end to conflict

BOR – A civil society leader has condemned the recent killings in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State where about 35 people were shot dead and scores left injured following attacks on cattle herders.

The attacks on the herders – who had crossed to Eastern Equatoria State from neighbouring Jonglei State – came after days of tension between the pastoralists and local communities.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Monday, activist Bol Deng, who heads civil rights organization INTREPID South Sudan, urged the South Sudan government to urgently intervene and stop the violence from escalating further.

“On behalf of the Civil Society fraternity, I’m calling on the Government to intervene and stop the violence immediately,” he said.

“Equally, I am appealing to the humanitarian agencies to respond as soon as the guns go silent to assess the condition of the vulnerable people caught in this aimless violence and safe lives,” he added.

“The ongoing violence between the Pastoralists from Jonglei State and the host communities in Aru Junction, Eastern Equatoria State is a regrettable development,” Bol said.

Activist Bol said the killings would have taken place had the government of Eastern Equatoria State taken earlier steps to devise peaceful means of addressing concerns from both sides to the conflict.

“This wouldn’t have happened had the Government of Eastern Equatoria State helped in the implementation of those resolutions and ensure preventive measures are put in place before the incident,” he said.

Days before the attacks, the host community and herders had reached an agreement for compensation to those whose farms had been destroyed by cattle.

Bol also urged humanitarian agencies to provide support to all those affected by the conflict. “Equally, I am appealing to the humanitarian agencies to respond as soon as the guns go silent to assess the condition of the vulnerable people caught in this aimless violence and safe lives,” he further said.

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