The local authorities in Lotome in Eastern Equatoria State’s Ikotos County have confirmed the death of two individuals, including a 15-year-old boy, following a violent cattle raid on local kraals on Monday.
Reports indicate that the raiders, suspected to be from neighboring Budi County, made off with over 200 head of cattle.
Peter Lokeng Lotone, the Eastern Equatoria Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies, reported that the incident appears to be linked to cyclic revenge attacks, including incidents that occurred two weeks ago in Budi County, which also resulted in fatalities.
“We received this information from local chiefs on the ground. It is clear that this raid was a revenge act stemming from previous hostilities,” he explained. “Our government is aware of these tensions and has been actively working to mediate and reconcile the involved communities. Continuing down this path of vengeance will not lead us anywhere positive because it undermines efforts to cultivate and work together toward a better future.”
“Recently, we intervened to quell similar revenge attacks in Bira and Lotuke, facilitating coexistence among the youth from different regions. We stressed the government’s commitment to addressing criminal activities and bringing those responsible to justice while encouraging unity,” Lokeng added.
Meanwhile, Juma Tikol, Secretary General for the Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Network, underscored that the lack of immediate government intervention often exacerbates the cycle of revenge.
“The violence in Ikotos that resulted in fatalities a fortnight ago seems to have prompted this retaliation. It is crucial that the government steps in without delay to foster dialogue among the communities involved and work towards a durable resolution,” he said. “If this situation is left unchecked, it is likely to spiral out of control.”
Tikol called for direct collaboration between the commissioners of Budi and Ikotos counties to facilitate community discussions to resolve tensions peacefully.
“The individuals perpetrating these revenge attacks are largely young people from both communities,” Tikol observed. “We need to appeal to them to lay down their arms and embrace peaceful dialogue. At the same time, we implore the government to act swiftly to prevent escalation and find a sustainable path toward reconciliation.”
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