At least nine people have been killed in renewed fighting between the Abang and Malual communities in Bor County, Jonglei State, on Monday, the caretaker county commissioner said.
Bor County Commissioner Daniel Deng Panchol said seven of the dead were from the two communities, while the other two were from neighbouring communities.
“Five were from Malual and two from Abang. The report indicated two other casualties from different communities: one lady from Gwala and a gentleman from Deer. The total number of deaths rose to nine,” Deng said.
State and county authorities held a security meeting and imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to contain the violence, he said.
Deng added that anyone found carrying a gun in the affected area would be arrested.
Joint security forces, including personnel from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and National Security Service, had been deployed to ease tensions, protect civilians and prevent further violence, he said.
The government would also engage young people and elders from both communities to encourage restraint and promote peaceful coexistence, Deng added.
The latest clashes stem from a longstanding territorial dispute between the Abang and Malual communities over the Malual-Chaat area.
Tensions have remained high since late April, when fighting first broke out following the creation of a new administrative boma, deepening disagreements over local boundaries and administrative control.
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