The National Civil Society Coalition (NCSC) has condemned a deadly attack on cattle herders in Budang Payam of Rubkona County, Unity State, that left at least 14 people dead and 23 others injured.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NCSC Chairperson Bol Deng Bol said the June 3 attack was carried out by armed elements allegedly from the Ruweng Administrative Area. Women and children were among those killed.
“We have learned with the utmost regret of the June 3 deadly attack launched against cattle keepers in Budang Payam of Rubkona County, Unity State, by armed elements reportedly coming from Ruweng Administrative Area,” Bol said. “This incident has claimed the lives of 14 people, including women and children, and injured 23 others.”
He said the coalition was deeply saddened by the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the wider community in Rubkona and Unity State.
Bol called for a swift joint investigation by the authorities in Unity State and the Ruweng Administrative Area, and urged both sides to take measures to prevent further violence.
“The National Civil Society Coalition appeals for a swift joint investigation into this incident and subsequent remedial and preventive interventions by both governments of Unity State and Ruweng Administrative Area,” he said.
He added that disputes between communities should be resolved peacefully.
“Conflicts are inevitable, but manageable,” Bol said. “We are humbly appealing to the communities in Ruweng Administrative Area and Unity State to embrace peaceful settlement of conflicts to avoid this endless shedding of South Sudanese blood by fellow South Sudanese.”
The NCSC reiterated its call for accountability, justice for victims and strengthened efforts to promote peaceful coexistence in the area.
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