At least five people have been killed and several others wounded in a string of armed attacks in Western Equatoria State over the past week, according to authorities.
The attacks occurred in Mundri East and Tambura counties, with incidents involving rebel ambushes, targeted killings, and the destruction of a health facility.
Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong, the State Police Commissioner, confirmed the casualties in an interview with Radio Tamazuj.
“Five lives have been lost this week alone — one in Mundri East and four in Tambura. Communities must cooperate and report suspects. These criminals live among us,” Tong urged.
In Mundri East, suspected rebels ambushed a group of vehicles along the Yeri–Lui–Juba Road, killing a businesswoman and injuring a young man. The attack happened between Lui and Lainya, a route frequently used by traders and travellers.
John Henry Ngalamu, the County Commissioner of Mundri East, said the convoy was on its way to Juba when gunmen bombed and opened fire on the vehicles.
“One woman was killed instantly, and one man was injured, and the rest escaped back to Lui,” he said.
In a separate attack in Gbanzua village, Tambura County, unknown gunmen shot dead two boys and a mentally ill woman who were heading to the garden. The same group reportedly burned down the local Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC), which had served over 3,000 displaced civilians.
Mathew Mabenge, the Tambura County Commissioner, condemned the destruction.
“That PHCC was the only facility offering medical care in the area,” he stated. “It is a big blow to vulnerable communities.”
The wounded survivor of the Gbanzua attack is being treated at the main hospital in Tambura town, while security forces continue to pursue the attackers.
In response to the growing insecurity, military reinforcements from the 6th Division Headquarters in Maridi have been deployed. Joint patrols are now underway to secure key hotspots and restore calm.
Local leaders and civil society have appealed for peace and urged armed groups to end the violence that continues to displace and traumatize civilians across the state.