Civil Society Coalition condemns deadly cattle camp attacks in Unity State

JUBA – The National Civil Society Coalition has strongly condemned a deadly attack on cattle keepers in Budang Payam of Rubkona County in South Sudan’s Unity State, which left at least 15 people dead and 23 others injured.

In a press statement issued by its Chairperson, Bol Deng Bol, the coalition said it had learned “with utmost regret” of the June 1 attack allegedly carried out by armed elements reportedly originating from the neighbouring Ruweng Administrative Area.

According to the statement, the attack claimed the lives of 15 people, including women and children, while 23 others sustained injuries.

“We are saddened by this unfortunate incident, and are grieving with the victims’ families, relatives and the people of Rubkona and Unity State,” the coalition said.

The civil society body expressed sympathy with those affected and extended its condolences to the bereaved families.

“We sympathise with the affected individuals by this horrible action and wholeheartedly convey our sincere condolences,” the statement added.

The coalition called on the governments of Unity State and the Ruweng Administrative Area to conduct a joint investigation into the incident and take measures to prevent further violence.

“The National Civil Society Coalition appeals for a swift joint investigation into this incident and subsequent remedial interventions by both Governments of Unity State and Ruweng Administrative Area, to mitigate such aggressions among these sisterly communities,” the statement said.

The coalition further urged communities in both areas to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence, warning against the continued loss of lives resulting from intercommunal conflicts.

“Conflicts are inevitable, but manageable,” the statement noted, adding that communities in Ruweng Administrative Area and Unity State should pursue peaceful means of resolving disputes “to avoid this endless shedding of South Sudanese blood by fellow South Sudanese.”

The coalition also offered its support for peacebuilding initiatives aimed at fostering reconciliation between communities in the two regions.

“This Coalition is willing and ready to support in the process of building community peace consensus through dialogue among communities in Unity State and Ruweng Administrative Area, and beyond,” the statement concluded.

The attack is the latest incident of violence in the oil-producing region, where tensions over grazing land, cattle movement, and local disputes have periodically escalated into deadly confrontations. Authorities in both Unity State and Ruweng Administrative Area have yet to publicly comment on the allegations contained in the coalition’s statement.