By Hou Akot Hou
Police in Tonj North County of Warrap State reported that at least 10 people have died in a violent clash over the position of an executive chief.
The conflict erupted between two opposing clans, Pan-Kuei and Pan-Arek.
The incident stemmed from the Pan-Kuei clan’s resistance to the removal of their long-serving executive chief, Mawein Dhor Ariik. While the Pan-Arek clan sought his removal, the Pan-Kuei clan staunchly supported his continued leadership.
Police investigator, Ajal Bol Bol, attributed the violence to a longstanding misunderstanding between the two clans.
He explained that the chief, who had held the position for 37 years, successfully defended his leadership in previous local contests, frustrating attempts by his rivals to remove him.
“The clash occurred over the weekend between Pan-Kuei that claimed the lives of 8 clansmen from their sides and 2 casualties from Pan-Arek who are attempting to remove the chief,” he lamented.
“The matter has been ongoing between the two clan. He won the local contests 4 times and he is not losable so people wanted to remove him by force and it caused the clash,” said Bol.
The officer added that six people sustained serious injuries during the fighting and were transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
Similar incidents, often attributed to cattle rustling and revenge killings, have occurred sporadically in Warrap State.
Investigator Bol assured that calm has been restored to the area following the deployment of security forces.