By Samuel Aru
Inter-communal violence between the Akok Deng Achuil and Thiik sections of Tonj East County has escalated, with casualties expected to rise as clashes continue.
Fighting broke out on Friday when Akok youth allegedly raided cattle from the Thiik community. Both sides mobilized for further conflict on Saturday morning.
According to the new Tonj East Commissioner, the clashes have already resulted in five deaths and seven injuries from Friday’s fighting, while the number of casualties from Saturday remains unknown.
“Five people were killed, and seven others were injured during Friday’s clashes. Although the situation was temporarily contained by security forces around 5:00 pm, the fighting resumed early this morning,” the commissioner said.
The commissioner lamented the lack of adequate forces in Tonj East to control the situation, and he called for the state government’s intervention.
“The recurrent revenge killings between these communities have persisted for months, and many lives have been lost. Last week, the Governor of Warrap State, Kuol Muor, visited the area to advocate for peace, but unfortunately, the fighting resumed,” he added.
Efforts are underway to contain the violence, but the situation remains volatile.