Lou Nuer youths who carried out several raids in the various parts of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area have withdrawn to their territories, government officials said.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Peter Lebelek, the administrative area’s Secretary-General said youths from the Lou Nuer in Jonglei state started withdrawing from the Greater Likuangole area last week.
“Lou Nuer youths have withdrawn from Likuangole and Nanam areas. But the first group who arrived from Bor on June 11 are still in the area of Vertet. Fighting was ongoing until Sunday,” he explained.
Moses Majok Gatluak, head of the investigation subcommittee for Uror County, confirmed the return of their youths from Greater Pibor.
“Our youths have started returning from Likuangole and Nanam areas. The last returning group arrived in Yuai, Pieri, and Kaykuiny areas on Sunday. We also want the Murle to withdraw from Jonglei to avoid recurrence of fighting,” he said.
Makuei Puok, a member of the investigation subcommittee, said armed youths from Pibor were on their way to attack Nyirol County.
The Greater Jonglei region has been plagued by recurring intercommunal tensions involving the Dinka, Nuer and Murle communities. The cycle of violence is often accompanied by cattle raids, child abductions, and other forms of revenge-inducing crimes.
In June, President Salva Kiir formed a committee to address the root causes of intercommunal violence in the Greater Jonglei region.