UNMISS, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, confirmed that at least 85 persons, mostly women and children, including 69 identified by name, were killed when a Lou Nuer group was taking cattle to a grazing area escorted by some 40 soldiers. Thirty-four persons were reported missing.
UNMISS’ Human Rights Director Richard Bennett said it was of grave concern that so many people were killed in such a brutal attack on February 8 in Walgat, Jonglei State.The report positions the criminal incident of violence in deep-rooted inter-community relations, particularly between the Lou Nuer and Murle communities of Jonglei.
UNMISS says the causes of inter-communal attacks are multiple and complex, ranging from widespread availability of weapons and insecurity to marginalization and lack of development.
The report acknowledges the efforts made by the Government to anticipate and respond to the incident but says that more should be done to protect communities at risk of attack. I
It says perpetrators should be brought to justice and victims should be compensated in order to deter further attacks.