By William Madouk
Eastern Equatoria State Parliamentary Caucus (EESPC) in National Legislatures Assembly appeals for support to victims of clashes in Aru junction.
The caucus described the clashes as an ‘internal invasion’ carried out by cattle herders.
“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,” chairperson of EESPC, MP Julius Ajeo Moilinga claimed.
Moilinga, on behalf of Eastern Equatoria MPs in the national parliament condemned the attacks that took place from 31st January to 2nd February 2025 and what they termed as a ‘massacre’ against defenceless civilians.
“The Caucus equally condemns the heinous massacre of defenseless civilians, destruction of farmlands, looting of property, raping of women and girls, burning of houses and forced displacement of civilians,” he added.
The Legislator mentioned areas such as; Aru, Amee, Obama, Nyolo, Ayii, Jok Okii, Chomboro, Lowoi, Agoro and Lofiriha in Magwi andTorit counties of Eastern Equatoria State (EES).
He alleged that conflict was caused after unknown assailants attacked Dinka Bor herders.
“These attacks have caused significant distress among the residents, leading to loss of lives and property and exacerbating tensions in an already volatile situation,” it noted.
The caucus claimed that herders are armed to the teeth with sophisticated weapons such as machine guns, RPGs, and AK-47s among other military hardware meant for national defence 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 true,” he said.
Lawmakers appealed to affected people in Magwi remain calm as Caucus and authorities, at state and national levels, are working round the clock to arrest the situation and restore peace law and order.
“Appeals 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,” the statement added.
The MPs echoed the call for the return of the cattle herders to their respective states as the president ordered.
According to Bor Community Chairperson, Angok Gordon Kuol, the death toll from the attack on cattle keepers in Aru junction has risen to 41 from its initial 35 people.
He pointed an accusing finger at youth backed up by the government of Eastern Equatoria state’s Equatoria Protection Army (EPA) and National Salvation Army (NAS) rebel group.
The community leader alleged that the attack was initiated when herders are on the move as per a directive from 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,”
Mr. Kuol condemned the attack and urged the government to swiftly investigate and deliver justice.
Meanwhile, the First Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, Oyet Nathaniel in a press conference condemned in the strongest term possible the recent violence in Aru junction.
“We call upon the authorities of the Ministry of Interior, the authorities of the Ministry of Defense, the SSPDF who are deployed in the area and in Magwi county to take charge of law and order, security and safety of civilians and property of all those affected,” he said.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said it is concerned about the escalating violence between cattle keepers and settled farming communities in Eastern Equatoria state.
Residents of Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria state said they are living in fear following an attack by armed cattle herders that left at least four people dead, one injured, and over 70 homes burned.
Similarly, the Eastern Equatoria State government condemns the attack on cattle herders on Friday
Besides, Eastern Equatoria State Youth Union condemned an incident and 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 chairperson of the union in a statement dated February 1, 2025.