Cattle raid in South Sudan leaves at least 72 dead
At least 72 people were killed in a co-ordinated cattle raid in South Sudan’s Warrap state on Monday, according to regional authorities. The attack, involving two communities, highlights recurring local violence over cattle and territory as the country prepares for elections amid wider political tensions.
The raid took place in Akop Payam, near the border with Unity state, and authorities said cattle were stolen and homes burned. It followed clashes that killed eight people last Friday; attacks in the same area also killed at least 60 people in August and 58 in March. The governor ordered the wounded to be evacuated and appealed for aid for women, children and older people left without food, shelter or medicine.
In short
- At least 72 people died in a cattle raid in Warrap.
- Cattle were stolen and homes burned.
- The attack adds to repeated violence ahead of elections.
Explained simply
Cattle are a major source of wealth and livelihood in South Sudan, and disputes over herds and grazing land can lead to violence between communities. Raids may involve stealing cattle and burning homes, and can deepen longstanding local rivalries.
Warrap and neighbouring Unity are states in South Sudan, where local insecurity sits alongside wider political tensions as the country prepares for elections. Repeated attacks can leave people dead or displaced and make it harder for families to access food, shelter and medical care.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Co-ordinated cattle raids kill at least 72 people in South Sudan”.