Warrap Governor holds peace talks with Alabek community after deadly attacks

The Caretaker Governor of Warrap State, Angelo Ngot Mayar, has held peace talks with community leaders and residents of Alabek Payam in an effort to end escalating intercommunal violence in Greater Tonj.

The meeting follows two deadly attacks on October 26 and 27 that reportedly killed at least 84 people, injured dozens and displaced thousands of families.

According to the Warrap State Government, at least 72 people were killed and 38 others wounded in the October 26 attack, which it blamed on armed groups from Mayom County in neighbouring Unity State and sections of Alabek Payam.

A second attack on five villages in Akop Payam on October 27 reportedly killed 12 people and injured 24 others, according to local youth leader Gabriel Manuer Akot.

The violence also led to cattle raiding, destruction of homes, markets and other civilian property, forcing many families to flee their communities.

In a report issued on November 4, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said thousands of families had been displaced by the violence.

The Tonj North Relief and Rehabilitation Commission estimates that more than 12,000 households have been displaced.

During his meeting with the Alabek community, Governor Angelo Ngot Mayar urged residents to embrace dialogue and reconciliation to address the causes of the conflict and restore peaceful coexistence.

The discussions brought together traditional authorities, community leaders and residents to explore peaceful ways of resolving longstanding disputes and preventing further attacks.

The violence in Greater Tonj has been linked to recurring cattle raids, revenge attacks and longstanding disputes involving communities in Alabek, Akop and neighbouring areas.

The state government’s latest initiative is part of efforts to rebuild trust among affected communities and prevent further violence.