Armed youth group kill three in raid in Jonglei State November 17

Event

At least three people were killed on Tuesday, November 17, after gunmen raided a village in the Khorwai area of Pigi county (Jonglei state). A youth group from Piong Nuer reportedly attacked the Kolnyang village on Tuesday evening and killed three people who were harvesting on farms. Additional fatalities were reported on Wednesday, November 18, when three further bodies were found. The attackers also burnt down the village.

Tensions have reportedly been high in the Khorwai and Fangak areas as inter-communal violence there continues to escalate. Further inter-communal clashes are possible in the area in the near term, along with a heightened security presence.

Context

South Sudan has been wracked by years of political, interethnic, and intercommunal violence - exacerbated by border and oil revenue disputes with Sudan. President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar signed an initial peace agreement in September 2018, following a series of negotiations. The unity government was only agreed on February 22, 2020.

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. Travelers 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.