The conflict, which began in 2023 at the Biothagany fishing area in Twic East County, initially involved fishermen from the Hol community of Duk and the Ayual community of Twic East. It later spread to the Laang and Akuoch areas, where the Adhiok community was reportedly attacked and robbed by Hol elements.
According to Bol Deng Bol, the Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan (ISS) and Chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN), the Hol community forcefully took over Biothagany fishing area and continues to occupy it to date. The clashes have left about 100 people dead over the past few years.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Bol warned that recent developments point to a “possibility of continued clashes between the aggrieved communities.”
“The ongoing discussions on social media and at community events, coupled with suspicious mobilization, are worrying. They have unfortunately fueled hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation,” he stated.
Mr. Bol expressed concern over what he described as the reluctance of the Jonglei State government to address the growing tension, despite earlier commitments by Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok to seek a peaceful resolution.
“His Excellency, Governor Dr Riek Gai Kok, had initially committed himself to an amicable settlement of this issue. Unfortunately, today, his administration is watching the communities in question butcher themselves with folded arms,” Bol lamented.
He urged the government to take two immediate actions to prevent further escalation:
“I am appealing for the temporary deployment of neutral armed forces in Biothagany to prevent possible clashes and create space for dialogue and convene grassroots consultative meetings leading to a comprehensive peace mediation process involving chiefs, youth, and other directly affected community members,” said Bol.
Bol emphasised that swift and decisive action is essential to prevent more bloodshed and preserve stability in the area.
“We are alarmed by these developments,” he warned. “Inaction could embolden rival groups and undermine previous peace efforts in the region.”
The long-running conflict between sections of the Duk and Twic East communities remains unresolved, with intermittent tensions threatening to spill over into renewed violence.
