South Sudan: Multiple killed in Bor County cattle raid July 27

Event

At least 17 people were killed on the evening of Monday, July 27, as gunmen attacked a herder community in Jonglei State's Bor County. Dozens of properties are reported to have been set alight during the raid in the Makol-cuei area at around 17:00 (local time), with at least nine other residents being injured in the incident and an unknown number remaining missing. Local officials stated that youths from a neighboring community were believed to have been responsible for the attack, with over 500 cattle being stolen. However, the incident is currently being investigated by local authorities.

Further communal violence, including retaliatory attacks, are likely in Bor County and other areas of Jonglei in the medium term.

Context

Areas of South Sudan, particularly Jonglei State, have long been plagued by communal violence, fuelled by tensions between the Dinka, Nuer, and Murle communities. However, cattle raiding attacks in the region have increased significantly in recent months, with hundreds being killed and thousands displaced in an escalating campaign of violence between rival herder communities. The government has launched several initiatives to prevent cattle raiding and retaliatory attacks, but tensions between communities remain high and the capability of security forces to intervene is severely limited.

Advice

Due to the high threat of violent crime, rebel activity, and communal violence, all travel to South Sudan should be subject to a thorough localized threat assessment and undertaken in coordination with a trusted security provider. Travelers are advised to subject all travel, particularly to remote 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.