Violent clashes in the town of Bor, Jonglei State, left two people dead and four others injured Saturday evening in two separate incidents, according to a local official, who said the violence erupted following a sporting event.
The first incident was a clash between members of the Nyara and Pariak communities that left one person dead, said Bor County Commissioner Samuel Ateny Pech.
“The cause of their fighting is yet to be established and authorities are investigating,” Pech told Radio Tamazuj.
A second, more severe incident involved a gun battle between National Security forces and a local armed group known as the Red Belt. Commissioner Pech confirmed that one person was killed and four were wounded in that clash, including two children and two members of the National Security Service.
Little is officially known about the Red Belt group, although local sources link it to cattle raids and illegal wildlife hunting in the state.
The violence began shortly after a wrestling match in which Bor County defeated Yirol East. While Pech did not directly link the violence to the event, he said, “all people from Lakes State returned safely.”
A local resident, Majok Guet, described a frightening scene of sustained gunfire that forced people to take cover. He reported a higher casualty toll, claiming two soldiers had been killed, but this could not be immediately verified.
Pech said local authorities have intervened and that “the situation remains calm.”
The violence drew condemnation from civil society groups.
Bol Deng Bol, executive director of Intrepid South Sudan, called for an immediate end to hostilities.
“We condemn these senseless acts of violence unequivocally,” Bol said. “Sport should be a platform for unity, not a trigger for death and destruction. We urge both community leaders and the government to ensure security and foster reconciliation.”
Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with security forces as investigations continue.