South Sudan: Cattle raiders wound one herdsman in clashes in Jonglei state June 24

Event

A group of armed assailants clashed with local herdsmen in Jonglei state on Wednesday, Jun 24, resulting in one herdsman wounded and hundreds of cattle stolen. According to media sources, the incident took place in the Duk Padiet area of Duk County. The group of cattle raiders reportedly attacked a cattle camp, initially making away with over 1000 cattle. Local herdsman pursued the assailants in attempts to recover the stolen cattle, clashes ensued and at least one herdsman was wounded. Approximately 450 cattle were recovered by the herdsmen, but a further 562 remain missing.

Further attacks and subsequent clashes are possible in the area in the medium term.

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. 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.