At least 4 people were killed and three others injured in intercommunal fighting on Wednesday, sparked by a dispute over a bull between armed youths of the Gok Community of Cueibet County and youth from the Rup Community of Rumbek Central County in Lakes State.
William Koji Kirjok, the acting minister of information and communication in Lakes State, told Radio Tamazuj that the incident took place in the Ralkou cattle camp in Rumbek Central County.
“The youth armed themselves and moved with cattle to Ralkou. I do not know whether it is something related to a dispute over a bull. The two county commissioners are currently in Mayom Payam to investigate what really triggered the fight,” he said. “The matter is still under investigation, and the root cause must be identified so that we can really explain what it was exactly about. The allegations said the incident was related to a dispute over a bull and gunshots that angered both sides until they fought.”
He said everyone must be held accountable and that the state government is for peace and will intervene to stop conflicts.
“I did not get a fresh report regarding security-related matters, but I know the situation is now calm. Those days, there was fear that youths from neighboring Panyijiar County in Unity State would come to attack Rumbek North, Rumbek East, Rumbek Center, and Yirol East counties of Lakes State,” he stated. “However, it has not happened and remains a rumor, and the security forces are always vigilant to protect property and lives and to ensure Lakes State territory remains peaceful.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Laat Kon, a civil society activist in Lakes State, said it is unfortunate that the two communities resorted to violence.
“These are senseless fights, and this has been continuing in Lakes State, and there is a need for calm in these communities, and the new governor needs to come to the state quickly,” he said. “There is a power vacuum currently in Cueibet County, and also there is no deputy governor, and the new governor is taking long in Juba. We have been seeing isolated reports of cattle thefts, cattle raiding, and people trying to attack other communities.”
Laat said the recent escalation of violence is an indicator that the state will slide back to the chaos that characterized its past and that community leaders and peace partners need to initiate peace and reconciliation drives.