JUBA – Lawmakers representing Eastern Equatoria State in South Sudan’s parliament are urging humanitarian organizations to provide aid to victims of violent clashes that erupted last Friday in Aru junction.
The MPs described the fighting as an “internal invasion” by cattle herders, resulting in the deaths of over 40 people and leaving scores injured.
“We appeal to all humanitarian agencies to urgently assist all the people (especially the women, the disabled, the elderly and children) who are affected by this ugly conflict that threatens our hard-won independence,” said MP Julius Ajeo Moilinga, chairperson of the Eastern Equatoria Caucus.
Moilinga reiterated the call for the return of the cattle herders to their respective states, as directed by President Salva Kiir in 2015.
“The act of territorial invasion by the Dinka Bor cattle herders and large-scale immigration to forcefully occupy an area in another state is a significant escalation of conflict,” Moilinga stated.
The caucus condemned the attacks, which occurred between January 31st and February 2nd, labeling them a “massacre” against civilians. They cited areas affected including Aru, Amee, Obama, Nyolo, Ayii, Jok Okii, Chomboro, Lowoi, Agoro and Lofiriha in Magwi and Torit counties.
The MPs alleged the conflict began after attacks on Dinka Bor cattle herders by unknown assailants. They further claimed the herders are heavily armed with sophisticated weaponry, including machine guns, RPGs, and AK-47s, typically reserved for national defense forces.
“…[herders] display all characteristics and behaviors of a typical well-trained paramilitary or militia groups with scorched earth strategic tendencies, makes us to conclude and believe that they are indeed,” the caucus stated.
According to Angok Gordon Kuol, chairperson of the Bor Community, the death toll from the Friday attack on cattle keepers in Aru junction has risen to 41. He accused youth backed by the Eastern Equatoria State’s Equatoria Protection Army (EPA) and the National Salvation Army (NAS) rebel group of carrying out the attack. Kuol alleged the attack occurred as herders were moving in compliance with Governor Louis Lobong’s ultimatum to vacate the area.
“This was not just an attack – it was (censored) targeting unarmed civilians, driven by greed and a blatant disregard for human life,” Kuol said, calling for a swift investigation and justice.
First Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, Oyet Nathaniel, condemned the violence and urged the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defense, and the SSPDF to restore law and order, and ensure the safety of civilians and property.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed concern over the escalating violence between cattle keepers and farming communities in Eastern Equatoria state.
Residents of Magwi County reported living in fear following the attacks, which left at least four people dead, one injured, and over 70 homes burned.
The Eastern Equatoria State government also condemned the attack on the cattle herders.
The Eastern Equatoria State Youth Union denied claims linking youth from the state to the incident. “Their claims that our youth raided their cattle are baseless and meant to mislead the public,” said Oriaja James, the union’s chairperson, in a statement dated February 1, 2025.
