Local authorities in Warrap State’s Tonj North County have reported that communal clashes in the area have left 11 people dead and 12 others wounded. The violence erupted as armed youths from rival communities clashed over disputed issues.
According to officials, the fighting began in the early hours of Saturday when armed youths from Rualbet Payam launched an attack on Awul Payam, located within the same county. The confrontation resulted in casualties on both sides.
Joseph Madut Deng, the Tonj North County Commissioner, confirmed the incident to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday. He stated that the violence escalated rapidly, with homes and a market set ablaze. Additionally, goats were reportedly raided from Rualbet Payam.
Commissioner Deng explained that the clashes were a continuation of an earlier incident on Thursday last week in Awul Payam.
“Criminal youths from Rualbet Payam attacked Ayii, the headquarters of Awul Payam, at 4 a.m. During that fighting, five youths were killed, and four others were injured. The attackers were eventually repulsed, but another clash occurred later the same day in Rualbet Payam,” he said.
Deng added that armed youths from Awul Payam pursued the Rualbet group, leading to further violence at Rualbet Payam headquarters.
“Six people were killed, and seven others sustained bullet injuries. Houses and the market were burned, and an unconfirmed number of goats were raided,” he reported.
The wounded from both communities are currently receiving medical treatment at hospitals in the state.
In a separate incident, Commissioner Deng confirmed that two commercial vehicles traveling from Tonj South were looted as they attempted to use the Madhiath Ajak road to reach Rualbet.
Ayii Agiu, the paramount chief of Tonj North, also confirmed the clashes. He stated that the fighting was instigated by armed youths from Rualbet Payam. “Homes in Awul were burned, four youths were killed, and an ambulance driver was also killed, bringing the death toll to five. Around five others were wounded in the initial fighting,” he said.
Chief Agiu added that while details about casualties in Rualbet were still unclear, at least seven people were confirmed dead, and numerous homes were burned to the ground.
The situation remains tense as local authorities work to mediate between the communities and prevent further violence.