By Manas James Okony
At least 10 people have been killed in a revenge attack in Jonglei State’s Uror County.
This followed deadly inter-communal fighting between members of the Chie-Burluom and Chie-Kuonluom clans that erupted in Pathai Payam on Saturday.
In an interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper over the weekend, Majok Chop, the county information director, explained that the revenge attack stemmed from a recent incident involving the two rival communities.
“In August this year, while members of Chie-Kuonluom were celebrating their successful recovery of raided cattle, they accidentally shot dead a woman from Chie-Burluom, leading to fighting between the two groups at that time,” he said.
“So on Saturday, Chie-Kuonluom came and attacked Chie-Burluom during a community event in Payokyok village.”
He added, “The fighting resulted in 10 deaths: 6 from Chie-Burluom and the rest from the other side. The two sides were well organized, knowing they had to avenge, so it was very unfortunate.”
Majok noted that heavy gunfire could be heard from as far away as the county headquarters in Yuai town throughout much of Saturday, although the situation had calmed down by Sunday. However, tensions still remained high.
The county official stated that local authorities were engaging the leadership of both sides in an effort to cease hostilities and foster dialogue.
Ter Manyang Gatwech, a civil society activist, condemned the clashes and placed blame on the government’s reluctance to implement the 2018 peace deal.
He also challenged traditional leadership to take action to save lives, arguing revenge attacks are cyclical because the peace deal is not being implemented.
Revenge killings in Jonglei State and the rest of the country have deep historical roots and are often tied to longstanding patterns of inter-communal violence.
These acts of vengeance arise from grievances related to cattle raiding, revenge for past attacks, or disputes over resources such as land and water. This cycle of violence is exacerbated by the lack of effective governance and the proliferation of small arms among various communities.
Cattle raiding has traditionally been a part of pastoralist culture in the region, especially among communities like the Dinka, Nuer, and Murle. Such practices are often viewed as a rite of passage and are intertwined with social status.
When cattle are stolen, the affected community often feels compelled to retaliate, leading to a vicious cycle of revenge. This cycle is further intensified in the wake of the civil war, which has created an environment of lawlessness and insecurity.
The signing of the peace agreement in 2018 aimed to bring stability to the country and foster reconciliation among warring factions. However, implementation of the deal has been slow and fraught with challenges. Continued political instability, dissatisfaction with local governance, and the unaddressed grievances of various communities contribute to ongoing violence, including revenge killings.
Traditional authorities play a vital role in mediating conflicts and maintaining peace within their communities. However, their effectiveness is often undermined by the persistent cycle of revenge and the erosion of customary conflict resolution mechanisms. With the state struggling to provide security and uphold the rule of law, local communities frequently revert to traditional forms of justice and retribution, perpetuating a cycle of violence.