South Sudan: Inter-communal violence kills 10 in Tonj County (Warrap state) October 7-8

Event

Inter-communal violence between the Luanyjang and Thiik communities in Tonj County (Warrap state) between Wednesday, October 7, and Thursday, October 8, left at least 10 people dead. Reports indicate that the fighting occurred as the result of the killing of a Luanyjang youth in Ngap-Agook on Wednesday, prompting retaliation and leading to the violent clashes that continued through to Thursday. Some 36 were wounded in the clashes, and cattle were also raided.

Further inter-communal violence is possible in Tonj 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 - 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.