South Sudan: Rival clans clash in Jonglei state

Event

Local government officials reported on Thursday, December 28, that clashes between rival clans were ongoing in the central Jonglei state. According to the authorities, the fighting has taken place in recent days in Bor South, located approximately 200 km (125 mi) north of the capital city of Juba. At least 22 people have been killed and another 18 wounded in the clashes. Jongeli state officials said that the military has been deployed into the region to restore order. Further violence is nevertheless possible in the coming days.

Context

According to local media reports, the clashes broke out over disputed grazing land and the naming of a village.

South Sudan has been wracked by years of political, ethnic, and intercommunal violence - exacerbated by border and oil revenue disputes with neighboring Sudan. Following the 2011 signature of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that gave the country its independence from Sudan, the predominantly north-south conflict has given way to a pattern of internal violence. Since December 2013, the country has experienced an intermittent civil war waged between the government of President Salva Kiir and his SPLA party on one side, and former Vice President Riek Machar and the SPLA-IO on the other. The conflict has continued despite international support for state-building and peace-keeping - including the 12,000-strong UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), deployed since 2011.

Advice

Many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to South Sudan. Certain regions should be particularly avoided, including the states of Unity and Upper Nile, the north of Warrap state, parts of Eastern and Central Equatoria states, and areas along the border with the Central African Republic, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If travel is necessary, ensure that proper security protocols are in place.