South Sudan: Attackers target cattle camp in Jebel Ladu October 9

Event

Unknown assailants attacked a cattle camp in Central Equatoria's Jebel Ladu area, roughly 37 km (22 miles) from the capital Juba, on Friday morning, October 9, killing at least three people and wounding six others. The attack occurred at around 09:00 (local time) on Friday, and reports indicate that the attackers may have come from Terekeka county.

The attack comes a few days after gunmen shot dead the son of former Central Equatoria state governor Clement Wani Konga near Jebel Ladu while driving to Terekeka.

Further clashes are possible in the area over the near term. A heightened security presence is to be anticipated in the region 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.