JUBA — A woman who survived a suspected armed attack in South Sudan’s Warrap State has lost her unborn baby after attackers allegedly slit her throat and left her unconscious for more than two hours.
Achol Mayen Aguek was reportedly attacked on August 14, 2026, while harvesting crops with other young women in a field at Paguet Village in the Luacjang area of Tonj East County.
According to the Warrap State Minister of Information and Communication, William Wol Mayom, the attackers were suspected armed criminals from Mayom County in neighboring Unity State.
“The attackers barbarically slit her throat in the process, leaving her unconscious for over two hours, tragically resulting in miscarriage and loss of an unborn life, which represents a severe violation of human rights, traditional norms, and the sanctity of life,” Wol said.
Wol said Achol sustained serious injuries after her throat was slit during the attack, adding that she reportedly remained unconscious for more than two hours before she was found.
He said the attack tragically resulted in a miscarriage and the loss of her unborn baby.
“Luckily, after being found conscious, Achol was airlifted from Wau to Juba, where she successfully underwent an operation on August 23, 2026, at Juba Military Hospital.”
He said Achol was later airlifted from Wau to Juba for specialized medical treatment and underwent surgery at Juba Military Hospital on August 23.
Wol said Warrap State Governor Bol Wek Agoth provided financial assistance to cover the cost of her operation.
“The governor of Warrap State provided financial assistance to cover the cost of the operation. However, doctors have advised that Achol’s condition would require further specialized management abroad for quicker recovery,” he said.
Wol said the doctors have reportedly advised that Achol requires further specialized medical treatment abroad to support her recovery.
He expressed appreciation to the Greater Tonj Women’s Association in Juba, women leaders, and other well-wishers for providing financial assistance during Achol’s critical treatment.
Wol said the state government strongly condemned the attack, describing violence against vulnerable women and children as unacceptable and a violation of human rights and traditional norms.
The minister also called for greater cooperation between neighboring states to address criminal activities operating across state borders.
“The government remains committed to strengthening inter-state peace and sub-regional stability through cooperation and mutual accountability.”
The alleged attack has renewed concerns over the safety of civilians, particularly women working in fields in communities affected by armed violence and cross-border criminality.
