RUMBEK | June 03, 2026
At least seven people lost their lives and two others sustained injuries following two separate inter-community clashes in Rumbek North County of Lakes State earlier this week.The violence involved members of the Manuer, Gak, and Aniin sections and was reportedly linked to disputes over cattle theft and attempted cattle raiding.
According to county authorities, the first confrontation occurred on Sunday between the Manuer and Gak sections after reports emerged of cattle allegedly being taken. The situation escalated into fighting that resulted in three fatalities.A second clash broke out on Monday involving members of the Gak and Aniin sections over allegations of cattle theft during the night.
The incident claimed four additional lives and heightened tensions in the area.Rumbek North County Commissioner Moses Maker Magok said local authorities and security personnel responded swiftly to contain the violence and prevent a wider conflict from erupting.Security forces led by Brig. Gen. Bol Madok were deployed from Rumbek to separate the rival groups.
As part of efforts to restore stability, members of the Gak section were relocated toward Malek Payam in neighboring Rumbek Central County, while the Manuer section was moved to the Angokjok cattle camp area.County officials reported that the security intervention helped prevent further confrontation between the communities, and the situation in Rumbek North has largely returned to calm.
However, tensions remain following the deadly incidents, particularly after renewed fighting between members of the Gak and Aniin sections.Meanwhile, local youth representatives confirmed the casualties and identified one of those killed as Marial Muorwel Nyot, the son of a prominent cattle owner from the Gak section.Authorities have urged communities to remain peaceful as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the clashes.
