South Sudan civil society leader condemns Lakes-Warrap intercommunal violence

JUBA – South Sudanese civil society leader Edmund Yakani issued a strong condemnation on Friday, urging communities to abandon violence and embrace dialogue after at least 39 people died in intercommunal clashes along the Lakes-Warrap states border.

The bloodshed erupted on Wednesday between communities in Pakam, Lakes State, and Luanyjang, Warrap State, according to authorities. The death toll rose to 39, confirmed Lakes State police spokesperson Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac, and Warrap State information minister William Wol.

Yakani, who is the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), expressed deep concern over the rising trend of deadly conflicts fueled by land disputes.

“This is alarming,” he said in a statement extended to Sudans Post this afternoon. “We’ve seen over 120 lives lost and 150 injured in similar clashes just this January.”

“The culture of armed communities killing each other in large numbers threatens peace and social fabric across the country,” Yakani warned.

He emphasized the critical need for proactive measures, urging the leadership of the council of state, states, and administrative areas to “develop a strategy for handling boundary and land ownership disputes.”

With December elections looming, Yakani expressed fears that tensions could escalate further. “This trend may get worse,” he said, highlighting the importance of addressing the root causes before the polls.

CEPO’s statement served as a powerful call for peaceful resolution. “We urge our communities to abstain from using violence to settle their disputes,” Yakani stressed. “Dialogue is essential for resolving conflicts among ourselves.”