At least seven people were killed in fresh intercommunal clashes between Lohilai and Omorwo villages of Bur Payam, Torit County of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State on Sunday.
According to local authorities, the clashes that started on Saturday were a revenge attack after both sides accused each other of targeted killings.
Last week, the Omorwo youth accused the Lohilai youth of killing a man.
Gilberto Hariha, the Head Chief of Bur Payam told Radio Tamazuj Monday that about seven people, including two women, have been killed during the fresh inter-communal conflict.
He says the security situation in the payam is out of hands as communities from the two sides continue to attack each other.
“There is tension between Ohilai and Omorwo. From that side of Lohilai is a camp called Owlak and a camp of Omorwo in Bur, they fought since the day before yesterday, gunning themselves till the youth of Lohilai came to Omorwo camp and burnt all houses,” he explained. “There is tension currently even roads are insecure, people are killed. From Lohilai three people are killed and four in Omorwo.”
Major General James Monday Enoka, Eastern Equatoria State Police Commissioner, confirmed the clashes but said forces have been sent to the area to arrest the situation.
He assures citizens of their commitment to contain and investigate the matter and that perpetrators would face justice.
“This conflict started yesterday. A few forces together with the commissioner of Torit County went there and returned yesterday. This incident calmed down but this morning it worsened again. The Minister of Local Government Peter Lokeng called for a state security meeting committee for the forces to be sent to calm the situation and a joint force has been sent comprising SSPDF soldiers, police, National Security, and other organized forces they went before and up to now they have not come back,” he said.
Oryema Emmanuel, a civil society activist in Eastern Equatoria State condemned the clashes and called the state government to investigate the incident and bring perpetrators to book.
“This very unfortunate incidence is actually falling apart, it is very bad because it subjected the civil population to suffering. The state government should find ways to send the forces to go and rescue the situation then the perpetrators of the conflict should be brought to justice.
Currently, homes in the Omorwo village are reportedly torched and dozens displaced.