South Sudan: Armed attack in Duk county (Jonglei state) kills dozens July 3

Event

At least 38 people were killed, and 44 others injured in an armed attack in the town of Duk Padiet (Duk county; Jonglei state) on Friday, July 3. The perpetrators reportedly entered the town in the morning (local time) on Friday, shooting sporadically and burning several homes down. The attack was blamed on ethnic Murle, who have been known to carry out raids across Jonglei.

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.