South Sudan: Inter-communal violence kills 45 in Tonj North County (Warrap state) as of June 29

Event

Inter-communal clashes in Tonj North County (Warrap state) have left at least 45 people killed and numerous others wounded as of Monday, June 29. The new wave of violence reportedly started on Friday, June 26, between the Apuk Padoc and Atok Buk communities, following an incident on May 27, in which a man from Apul Padoc was beaten to death by members of the Atok Buk community in the town of Awul.

Most of the fighting reportedly took place in and around the villages of Agany and Anyibuth. State security forces have been deployed to the area, and local reports suggest that calm has been restored.

Further inter-communal violence is possible in Tonj North County, and the wider Warrap state, in the coming days and weeks.

Context

South Sudan has been wracked by years of political, interethnic, and intercommunal violence amid the country's long civil war.

Advice

Due to the high threat of intercommunal conflict and violent crime, all travel to South Sudan should be subject to a thorough localized threat assessment and undertaken in coordination with a trusted security provider. Members are advised to subject all travel, particularly to remote and rural areas, to strict journey management protocols. Avoid travel at night, vary routines and maintain a heightened sense of situational awareness. Monitor local media sources to remain apprised of security-related developments and adhere to any directives issued by local authorities.