Bloody Clashes Over Cattle Theft Wreak Havoc in South Sudan
Deadly clashes over livestock theft occur in South Sudan, resulting in hundreds of casualties.
Connected via Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link
In the past several months, South Sudan's troubled landscape has been marred by gruesome clashes between rival ethnic cattle herders, as reported by the United Nations (UN). Since December of last year, over 200 individuals have tragically lost their lives, thousands have been displaced, and hundreds of homes have been destroyed in the northwestern region of Warrap alone, according to the UN peacekeeping mission, UNMISS.
Cattle theft and disputes over scarce grazing lands and water sources are rampant among the cattle-rearing communities throughout South Sudan. This impoverished nation, rich in oil reserves, has recently been tested by extreme weather conditions, enduring both drought and flooding.
As tensions simmer, the UNMISS special representative, Mr. Guang Cong, urges the government to swiftly intervene and stifle the escalating conflicts, warning of the potential for greater strife to come. In February of this year, local authorities reported a chilling “cold-blooded massacre” in Eastern Equatoria, claiming 41 lives and leaving 65 injured.
South Sudan, once freed from the shackles of Sudan's rule in 2011, finds itself in a precarious position. Recent developments have seen the resurgence of conflict between supporters of president Salva Kiir and backers of Vice President Riek Machar, who was nabbed in late March. This renewed hostility threatens the 2018 peace agreement that brought a close to a devastating five-year-long civil war claiming approximately 400,000 lives.
Here's a snapshot of the most recent conflicts, their consequences, and the delicate efforts at peacekeeping:
Current Struggles:
- Tonj East, Warrap State: This area has borne the brunt of a wave of violence due to cattle theft and retaliatory attacks. Numerous confrontations involving armed youth from neighboring regions have led to over 80 casualties since December 2024, though the exact death toll remains uncertain[1][5].
- Lainya County, Central Equatoria State: A brutal raid allegedly carried out by cattle thieves from Terekeka County resulted in the loss of one life and the theft of numerous goats. This incident has exacerbated local tensions and raised apprehensions about the fragility of peace settlements in the region[4].
Consequences:
- Humanitarian Emergency: The ongoing violence has displaced multitudes, destroyed hundreds of homes, and cost countless lives. It also disrupts economic activities, placing undue pressure on the livelihoods of local communities that heavily rely on livestock for food and income[1][3].
- Heightened Community Tensions: The ongoing bloodshed and theft have instilled widespread panic and mistrust within communities, thwarting attempts to foster peace and stability[4].
Peacekeeping Efforts:
- UNMISS Engagement: UNMISS has intensified its peacekeeping patrols and collaborates with local leaders to deter further violence. However, UNMISS faces resistance at checkpoints manned by armed youth[1].
- Local Agreements: In some parts of South Sudan, like Jonglei, communities have forged agreements to cease hostilities, report criminal activities, and facilitate the return of stolen cattle. These pacts aim to promote harmony and cooperation[2].
- Government Responsiveness: The government is urged to dispatch security forces to halt the violence and create an environment permissive to community dialogue. Local authorities have responded with the deployment of forces in specific incidents, such as in Lainya County, to reestablish safety and pursue culprits[1][4].
[1] ntv.de[2] AFP[3] USIP[4] Al Jazeera[5] Deutsche Welle
- The war-and-conflicts in South Sudan, primarily over cattle theft, have led to hundreds of deaths, thousands of displacements, and the destruction of hundreds of houses, as seen in the northwestern region of Warrap.
- The consequences of these conflicts in South Sudan include a humanitarian emergency, heightened community tensions, and disruptions in economic activities, putting pressure on livelihoods that heavily rely on livestock.
- Efforts to peacekeep in South Sudan involve UNMISS intensifying peacekeeping patrols and collaborating with local leaders, local communities forging agreements to cease hostilities and facilitate the return of stolen cattle, and the government dispatching security forces to halt the violence and create an environment permissive to community dialogue.
