Over 22 killed in attack on Murle traders in Central Equatoria

JUBA – At least 22 people were killed early Wednesday when cattle traders from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) were attacked by suspected cattle herders from South Sudan’s Jonglei State in Juba County, Central Equatoria State, local officials said.

Speaking to Sudans Post, Greater Pibor Administrative Area Information Minister Oleyo Akuer Ngaloth said the attack occurred shortly after 2:00 a.m., resulting in the deaths of 10 people and injuries to 11 others.

The attack, which has spurred armed mobilization in both Greater Pibor and Central Equatoria, took place in Mogiri village, approximately 22 miles south of Juba. Mogiri is the headquarters of Mogiri Boma of Mangala Payam in Juba County, Central Equatoria.

In early September, Sudans Post geolocated a video showing an unconfirmed number of armed youths mobilizing, possibly for clashes with armed groups from Jonglei or GPAA.

“There was an incident that happened in Mogiri Payam today [Wednesday] at around 2:00 a.m. where 10 people were killed and 11 others were seriously wounded in the clashes,” Oleyo told Sudans Post by phone from Pibor.

The senior official said the attackers, whom he believes are from Jonglei State, stole over 600 cattle. He alleged the attackers were wearing uniforms resembling those of SSPDF and police.

“Six hundred herds of cattle were raided in the process, and the attackers were wearing different uniforms, including some army, police, and wildlife uniforms. Their [attackers’] footsteps are reportedly moving toward Mangala Payam,” said Oleyo.

“The government of Central Equatoria depends on cattle taxes; sometimes we use this revenue for government institutions, and this interruption right now is detrimental to South Sudanese people in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. They want to paralyze us completely,” he added.

Mogiri residents are primarily farmers, not pastoralists. However, since severe flooding in Jonglei State in recent years, pastoralists have moved to the highlands of Central Equatoria, leading to increased violence.

Following the incident, Chief Administrator for Greater Pibor Administrative Area, Gola Boyoi Gola, issued a statement accusing youth from Jonglei State of the attack.

“This reprehensible act of violence reflects a grave disregard for human life and complicates the tensions that have plagued our communities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and Jonglei State,” Gola stated.

“On behalf of the government and the people of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, I strongly condemn this attack and the ongoing criminal activities in Mangala County that endanger the lives of cattle traders and civilians residing in the area,” he added.

Local residents in Mogiri reported that at least 12 of their community members were killed in the attack, bringing the total number of dead on both sides to 22.

“As of Wednesday, the number of people killed from among the local communities and those cattle camp owners from Jonglei State is about 12. There is an unconfirmed number of people who have been wounded, but I can’t give you the exact number right now,” a local resident, who requested anonymity, said.

Attempts to reach Jonglei State authorities for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to the information minister went unanswered.