South Sudan, Conflict Over Water Resources

In central South Sudan, residents of a swampy area found themselves embroiled in a violent conflict with cattle herders seeking water and pasture as the dry season persisted. 

According to officials, the skirmishes resulted in the deaths of at least 38 individuals, with 52 others sustaining gunshot wounds. The clashes, which commenced on Wednesday, continued into Thursday, with tensions running high and reports of ongoing "minor clashes" in the remote vicinity.

Mayom, an official, highlighted that clashes are persisting in inaccessible swampy terrains, making it challenging to ascertain the full extent of casualties. Major Elijah Mabor Makuach, a police spokesperson for Lakes state, revealed that among the casualties, 19 deceased and 17 wounded hailed from Warrap state, while 19 deceased and 35 wounded belonged to Lakes state.

This outbreak of violence follows closely on the heels of another tragic incident in Abyei, where gunmen attacked villagers, resulting in the deaths of 52 individuals, including a U.N. peacekeeper, and injuring 64 others. The region, known for its oil wealth, is subject to dispute between Sudan and South Sudan, with officials citing land disputes as a trigger for the violence.

South Sudan, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following decades of conflict, has grappled with internal strife from 2013 to 2018, impeding its development trajectory. 

The proliferation of firearms among civilians who participated in past conflicts exacerbates the volatility of the situation, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable peace-building efforts in the region.