Three Turkana raiders were killed over the weekend in Nadapal, on the border of Kapoeta East County in Eastern Equatoria State. The incident occurred when suspected Turkana cattle raiders attempted to steal over 1,000 cattle from kraals in New Site. The raid led to clashes with the cattle owners, resulting in the deaths of three raiders and injuries to two Toposa youth.
Similar clashes took place last month in Nadapal and New Site, where two Turkana raiders were killed, and two locals were injured.
Abdala Angelo Lokeno, Commissioner of Kapoeta East County, told Radio Tamazuj that the incident occurred around 4:30 PM last Friday. He stated, “On the 31st, Turkana raiders attacked New Site, targeting a cattle camp. They managed to take only four cattle before three of their own were killed, and two of our people were injured. The injured are currently receiving treatment at Narus Health Facility. This attack involved more than 1,000 cattle.”
Lokeno emphasized the impact of such raids on the community, urging for peace and protection from the government. “The community is suffering. People are supposed to live in peace, and these attacks must stop. Continuous violence will only worsen relations among communities. The government of South Sudan should provide protection to its citizens,” he said.
Peter Lokeng Lotone, Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, has confirmed the recent incident at the Nadapal border and announced that forces have been deployed to contain the insecurity.
Lokeng stressed that dialogue is the only solution to resolving disputes between the Toposa and Turkana communities. “The government is aware of the situation. When incidents like this occur, dialogue is the only solution. Even if things get worse, people must continue talking to achieve peace. We have government forces deployed in Nadapal, but they can’t cover the entire area where cattle are kept. The local communities, both Toposa and Turkana, need to engage in dialogue because, without it, they will not enjoy peace. We appeal to the Turkana citizens to refrain from attacking our people, as our people are not attacking them,” he stated.
Charles Onen Lokwaru, Chairperson for the Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Network, condemned the continuous cross-border attacks by the neighboring Turkana and also called for dialogue to resolve the conflicts.
He appealed to the governments of Kenya and South Sudan to initiate dialogue and educate communities on the dangers of raiding to foster peaceful coexistence.
“This is the second time Turkana raiders have attempted to steal cattle from the Toposa in Kapoeta East. We appeal to both communities, who live in neighboring countries, to find an amicable way through peaceful dialogue to ensure they coexist together. These communities share the same origin from Ategem. Authorities should take steps to sensitize those who still view raiding as a source of livelihood. We condemn the continuous attacks and raids between these two communities and urge the initiation of cross-border dialogue to ensure peaceful coexistence,” he explained.