Authorities in Jonglei State said blood compensation was being arranged for two soldiers killed in a clash with armed youth in the town of Pieri earlier this week, as local officials moved to downplay fears of wider unrest.
James Gatkhor Gatluak, commissioner of Uror County, told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that calm had been restored after the confrontation, which he described as an unplanned outbreak stemming from a local misunderstanding. He said the violence was not linked to broader fighting involving the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), the SPLA-IO, or the White Army.
“The incident which occurred two days ago was an isolated one, not intended. Now blood compensation is underway for the two soldiers killed,” Gatkhor said. He added that firearms taken from the soldiers had been recovered by local chiefs and were being returned to the military.
While tensions persist in some neighbouring counties, Gatkhor said the situation in Uror was otherwise calm.
Gatluak Reat, a member of the state legislative assembly representing the area, also confirmed the return to calm. He said the clash began after an SSPDF officer shot and wounded a local youth who was firing into the air to celebrate the capture of Walgak in Akobo by SPLA-IO forces.
“The incident in Pieri happened when a local youth who opened fire into the air to celebrate the capture of Walgak was shot and injured by an SSPDF officer, prompting the intervention of the rest of the youth,” Reat said. “Two soldiers were killed and the rest retreated. The situation was quickly resolved and now there is calm in the area.”
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