Cattle are a main source of wealth and pride for many communities in South Sudan
At least 72 people have died following a deadly cattle raid in South Sudan’s northern Warrap State, according to local authorities.
The assault occurred on Monday in Tonj North County, near the boundary between Warrap and Unity states.
Officials described the incident as a coordinated operation involving two rival communities, during which livestock were stolen and houses set ablaze.
Authorities said members of the Lou Ariik community allegedly attacked residents of Apuk Padoch in the Akop Payam area.
The incident followed another violent confrontation last Friday that left eight people dead.
Warrap State Information Minister William Wol Mayom Bol confirmed the latest casualties, while Governor Angelo Ngot Mayar expressed sympathy to affected families and instructed security personnel to transport injured victims to safety.
The governor also ordered investigations to identify the perpetrators and recover the missing animals.
Meanwhile, the state government has appealed to humanitarian organisations for emergency assistance for vulnerable women, children and elderly residents who have lost access to food, shelter and medical supplies.
Cattle-related disputes remain a major source of insecurity in South Sudan, where livestock represents wealth, social status and a traditional form of dowry for men seeking marriage. Such confrontations frequently trigger retaliatory attacks between communities.
According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), at least 60 people were killed and another 50 injured during an assault in the same area in August.
A separate incident in March reportedly claimed 58 lives and wounded 71 others.
Last year, authorities imposed a six-month state of emergency in Warrap in an attempt to contain the escalating bloodshed.
The latest violence comes as South Sudan prepares for its first national elections since gaining independence in 2011.
The presidential poll, scheduled for December, has experienced repeated postponements amid insecurity, political disagreements and inadequate preparations.
The country descended into a brutal civil war after independence, with a fragile peace agreement signed in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and his then-deputy, Riek Machar.
However, tensions between the two leaders have continued to undermine stability. Machar was removed from his vice-presidential position, arrested last year and charged with murder, treason and crimes against humanity.
He has denied the allegations and has remained under house arrest in the capital, Juba, since March last year.
Fighting continues in several parts of the country, raising concerns about the government’s ability to guarantee security during the forthcoming elections.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation, while human rights organisations have questioned whether South Sudan can complete essential electoral preparations, including voter registration and security arrangements, before the scheduled December ballot.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong