At least 16 people were killed and 52 others wounded in intercommunal fighting Sunday in Rumbek North County, Lakes State, officials said.
The violence erupted around 11 a.m. in the remote village of Abut and involved members of the Nielniel section of the Pakam community, according to Rumbek North County Commissioner Moses Maker Magok.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Commissioner Magok said he was at the scene helping evacuate the wounded to nearby hospitals and investigating the cause of the fighting.
“There was conflict among clans of the Nielniel section—specifically Pagut, Padiangbor, and Pamolnyin,” he said. “In this incident, 16 people were killed and 52 others wounded.”
According to the commissioner, the clashes began after three men from the Ayen cattle camp traveled to the Padiangbor area. Youths from the Pan Ruop clan allegedly confronted them, leading to a violent confrontation.
“One person from Pan Ruop was killed in the morning, and that triggered further fighting,” he said. “Later in the afternoon, Pan Ruop youth regrouped and launched an attack on the rival section, escalating the casualties.”
Magok said peace talks between the Padiangbor and Pan Ruop clans had recently taken place in Rumbek town, but it is unclear what reignited the conflict.
“We had already facilitated peace dialogue between the two communities, so I don’t understand what caused the renewed violence,” he said.
Dr. Terran Madit Terran, medical director at Rumbek State Hospital, confirmed receiving nearly 30 gunshot victims from Rumbek North on Sunday.
“Ten of them were in very serious condition,” he said. “Five were taken to the operating theatre with abdominal gunshot wounds. We lost one of those patients around 2 a.m. Monday due to complications.”
He added that many patients arrived in critical condition due to delays and excessive blood loss.
“Some sustained fractures, others had gunshot wounds to their limbs,” he said. “Two patients have been referred to Juba for specialized care, including a woman with a severely damaged uterus.”
Dr. Terran said the hospital’s surgical ward is overcrowded, with some patients being treated on the floor.
“Despite the challenges, the clinical situation is under control,” he said. “Our surgical team did their best.”
Daniel Laat Kon, a civil society activist with Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), condemned the violence and called for an immediate end to the clashes.
“As CEPO, we condemn this incident and urge the communities to cease hostilities,” he said. “This kind of conflict can be resolved through dialogue.”
Laat called on the government to implement civilian disarmament across Lakes State.
“You can’t leave arms in the hands of civilians who may misuse them, especially under the influence of alcohol,” he said. “Disarmament and community-led peace dialogues are the only way to ensure lasting peace in the region.”