By Manas James Okony
Authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area have accused armed youths from Jonglei State of launching an attack in the area.
Fighting broke out in Gumuruk County, part of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) on Saturday, according to local officials.
The conflict has reignited concerns about ongoing ethnic tensions in the region, highlighted by a series of violent incidents that have historically characterized interactions between different communities in South Sudan.
Simon Peter Ajany Kaimoi, the GPAA Local Government Minister, told No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper that the clashes began on Saturday afternoon and continued into the evening.
“On Saturday at 11 pm, I received a call from the commissioner of Gumuruk County, informing me that fighting had erupted in his villages of Mau and Ram. The fighting started at 2 pm and continued until 6 pm,” he said.
However, he declined to provide specific details regarding casualties or the number of cattle raided, noting that such information was not yet available.
The GPAA has been a focal point for conflict in South Sudan, primarily due to the historical animosities and competition for resources, including land and cattle, which play a central role in the livelihoods of local communities.
The Dinka, Nuer, and Murle communities, which are predominant in Jonglei and Greater Pibor respectively, have been involved in cycles of violent confrontations over the years, exacerbated by the broader context of national instability and economic challenges.
Ajany, who also serves as the acting GPAA Information Minister, condemned the recent attack, emphasizing the need for peace and security in the region.
He announced plans to travel to Gumuruk on Sunday to assess the damages caused by the fighting.
Efforts to reach several government officials in Jonglei State for additional comments have been unsuccessful.
Jonglei State Information Minister Nyamar Lony mentioned that she was unable to respond because she was outside the state on an official mission.
As the situation develops, humanitarian organizations and local leaders are likely to face pressing challenges in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the violence, including the need for food, shelter, and medical assistance.
The recent clashes not only highlight the fragility of peace in Greater Jonglei but also point to the urgent need for a sustained dialogue between conflicting groups to prevent future outbreaks of violence and foster community reconciliation