Authorities in Warrap State last Friday reported that an armed group suspected to be from Wau in Western Bahr el Ghazal State attacked Wut-Tim village in Manyang Payam, injuring four people, including a woman.
Manyang Payam is a disputed area hosting two communities—Apuk in Gogrial East County of Warrap State and Wau community in Jur River County of Western Bahr el Ghazal, as per officials.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Gogrial East County Commissioner, Maluach Lueth, said: “On Friday, at around 7am, an armed group led by Ajang Anyuon Lueth, who serves as the Captain of Police in Wau, instigated a conflict in Manyang. This incident traces back to August 27 of this year when Ajang was involved in the initial episode where the Payam headquarters was set ablaze. Despite this, he has not been held accountable. Additionally, he is implicated in the killing of a youth named Tong Manyuat Bol in Kurchok village,” he explained.
He added, expressing concern over the situation, “The same individual orchestrated the killing of another civilian in Kuom.”
Furthermore, he detailed the recent events, stating, “On Friday, he launched an attack against civilians, coordinating with Bol Wek, an SPLM-IO Brigadier General. They joined forces and attacked Wut-Tim village in the northeast of Manyang Payam.”
He noted, “The youth were overpowered because the armed group was using advanced weapons like RPGs and AKMs. Despite the intensity of the confrontation, there were no reported fatalities. However, four of our people were wounded and taken to Luanyaker Hospital.”
Lueth has criticized the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF), accusing them of insufficient efforts to protect civilians. He stated, “There is an SSPDF force stationed at Manyang, but they haven’t intervened. I urge you to interview the SSPDF commanders to understand why they are not actively protecting the civilians.”
Meanwhile, William Wol, the Minister of Information for Warrap State, confirmed the incident on Friday and called on the authorities of Western Bahr El Ghazal State to intervene and halt the ongoing fighting.
“The situation in Manyang continues. We received reports on Friday morning that four people were wounded in a clash instigated by Major Ajang Anyuon Lueth, an officer with a history of harming civilians in Gogrial East County. The injured individuals have been taken to Luanyaker for treatment, and thankfully, no fatalities have been reported,” he said.
Minister Wol also mentioned a separate incident on Saturday, revealing, “Three women from Wau were apprehended attempting to set houses on fire in Apuk Giir Thiik in Buoyar village.”
He pointed out the suspects are currently in the custody of the government of Warrap State and that investigations are underway.
The fresh attack, as detailed by the information minister, was led by a police officer, Major Ajang Anyuon, hailing from Western Bahr el Ghazal state. He said the incident occurred in a village named Wunpii, situated east of Boiyar Payam in Gogrial East.
“During the assault, several homes were set ablaze. However, the attackers were swiftly repelled by a unit of the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) from Division 11, which had been deployed in the county,” he said.
“The information we received indicates that the armed group was led by a police officer, Major Ajang Anyuon, employed in immigration in Western Bahr el Ghazal State. They attacked the village, resulting in injuries to four people,” he added.
When contacted by Radio Tamazuj on Sunday regarding the accusation of police involvement from Western Bahr el Ghazal, the state’s acting police commissioner, Major General James Simon Yasi, stated that his office had not received any information about the reported attack or the alleged police involvement.
Yasi said, “I am not aware; I did not receive any information from any of our police departments about what happened, but we will verify.”
Throughout this month, both states have experienced recurring attacks from both sides, leading to mutual accusations from each authority.
In the current month alone, over 10 deaths have been reported, including two traditional chiefs from Marial-Bai and a humanitarian aid worker killed in Tharkueng.