The authorities in Central Equatoria State have condemned what they describe as a barbaric inter-clan clash between the Kogi and Yari communities that left at least 27 people dead and displaced scores of civilians in Terekeka County on Wednesday.
In a condolence message issued Thursday, Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony said the violence is unacceptable and undermines the peace and unity the state seeks to build.
“On behalf of the state government and myself, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims in this violent dispute and stand in solidarity with the innocent civilians displaced,” he said.
He added that he dispatched high-level security teams led by Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu Obede to Terekeka to investigate the root causes of the conflict and restore order.
A second team, headed by State Advisor on Peace and Security Angelo Daya, has been tasked with implementing a presidential directive ordering the return of cattle to their places of origin.
Governor Adil assured the public that his government is committed to holding those responsible accountable.
“We will not allow criminals to destabilize our communities,” he stated. “Every individual found to have instigated or participated in this senseless violence will face the full force of the law.”
Deputy Governor Lukudu said the clashes also led to the destruction of a village as tensions over land and resources escalated.
While authorities have not confirmed the immediate trigger of the fighting, inter-communal disputes over grazing land, cattle, and territorial boundaries remain a recurring source of conflict in parts of South Sudan.
Local leaders and security forces are working to restore calm as affected families flee their homes in search of safety.