Nine killed in communal clashes in Bor, South Sudan
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Radio Tamazuj
Clashes between the Abang and Malual communities have killed at least nine people in Bor County, Jonglei State, according to local commissioner Daniel Deng Panchol. Authorities have imposed a night-time curfew and deployed security forces, while a territorial dispute over the Malual-Chaat area has fuelled tensions since April, Radio Tamazuj reports.
At least nine people were killed on Monday in renewed clashes between the Abang and Malual communities in Bor County, Jonglei State, South Sudan, the county's acting commissioner, Daniel Deng Panchol, said, according to Radio Tamazuj. Seven victims belonged to the two communities, including five from Malual and two from Abang. The other two were from the neighbouring Gwala and Deer communities.
State and county authorities imposed a curfew from 6pm to 6am to contain the violence. Joint forces, including officers from the Criminal Investigations Department and the National Security Service, were deployed to protect civilians and prevent further clashes. Anyone found in possession of a weapon in the affected area will be arrested, according to Daniel Deng Panchol.
The fighting is linked to a long-standing territorial dispute over the Malual-Chaat area. Tensions have worsened since late April, following the creation of a new boma, a local administrative unit, which reignited disagreements over boundaries and administrative control.
The clashes come after Jonglei sent 24 officials to ease tensions, announced on 5 October, followed by the launch of consultations between Jonglei communities on 6 October. On 11 October, the communities concerned had announced an agreement to end hostilities.
