By Sabri Dibaco
The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) and the Nile Institute for Human Rights Studies (NIHRS) have condemned recent communal clashes in Tonj North County, Warrap State, that reportedly left more than 60 civilians dead and 50 others wounded.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, August 11, the two civil society organisations said the violence demonstrates the urgent need for authorities to address insecurity as the country prepares for elections.
The organisations said reports indicate that armed men from neighbouring Mayom County in Unity State allegedly joined members of the Lou Mawein sub-clan in attacks against the Pan Ariik and Apuk Padoc communities in Akop Payam.
CPA and NIHRS expressed concern that communal violence continues while national political leaders remain focused on preparations for elections.
“There is no moral justification for citizens to kill each other while leaders are busy talking about elections,” the organisations said in a joint statement.
The groups called for immediate security measures to prevent further loss of life and possible retaliatory attacks following the clashes.
They also warned that the security situation could undermine South Sudan’s electoral process if not urgently addressed.
Beyond the violence in Tonj North, CPA and NIHRS raised concerns over restrictions on civic space and freedom of movement, particularly for political candidates and other actors preparing for the elections.
The organisations said increasing hate speech is another threat to peace and democracy, warning that advances in artificial intelligence could be used to amplify divisive and inflammatory messages.
According to the groups, community gatherings and even funeral prayers are increasingly being used as platforms for spreading rhetoric that could deepen divisions among communities.
They warned that such developments risk undermining social cohesion at a time when South Sudan needs greater public participation and peaceful political engagement.
CPA and NIHRS called on the National Elections Commission (NEC), government institutions, and other stakeholders to prioritise security throughout the electoral process.
They urged authorities to protect civic space, ensure freedom of movement for political actors, and take stronger measures against hate speech and other forms of incitement.
The organisations said protecting the integrity of the electoral process is essential to maintaining peace, strengthening democracy, and ensuring South Sudan’s long-term stability.
Communal violence, particularly over cattle, grazing areas, water resources, and migration routes, remains a major security challenge in several parts of South Sudan.
Warrap State has experienced recurrent clashes involving armed youth from different communities, with violence often escalating through cycles of cattle raiding, revenge attacks, and retaliatory killings.
The situation can become more complicated when armed groups or communities from neighbouring states become involved in local disputes.
The latest violence in Tonj North comes as South Sudan prepares for elections, placing renewed pressure on the government and electoral institutions to strengthen security and create an environment where citizens and political actors can participate peacefully in the electoral process.
CPA and NIHRS said failure to address insecurity, restrictions on civic space, and hate speech could threaten both the credibility of the elections and efforts to build lasting peace in South Sudan.