Terrorists stormed Abiemnom County in South Sudan’s Ruweng Administrative Area, killing at least 169 people including women, children, and officials in a brutal revenge attack.
The assault began around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, 1 March, when armed terrorists from neighbouring Mayom County in Unity State launched a coordinated strike on the county headquarters.
They opened fire indiscriminately, targeting civilians and security personnel alike, and set fire to markets, homes, and government buildings during the three-to-four-hour clash.
Local forces eventually repelled the invaders, restoring control to the area, but not before the terrorists inflicted devastating losses.
Among the dead were 90 civilians and 79 service members, with two senior officials—Awarpiny County Commissioner Paulino Wal Monychikat and Executive Director Mawien Majith—losing their lives in the fighting.
Additionally, around 50 people suffered injuries, many requiring urgent medical attention amid the chaos.
Ruweng’s Information Minister, James Monyluak Mijok Thon, confirmed the toll on Monday, warning that the number of fatalities could rise as authorities continue to search for more bodies.
This attack stems from deep-seated inter-communal tensions that have simmered since late February, fuelled by cattle raiding and retaliatory violence between communities in the region.
Moreover, it highlights the fragility of South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement, as clashes escalate between government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition groups aligned with Riek Machar.
Such incidents have displaced thousands in recent weeks, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in a country already grappling with widespread instability.
In response, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has stepped up efforts to protect civilians, sheltering approximately 1,000 people at its base since 28 February and providing emergency medical care to the wounded.
UNMISS expressed alarm over the surge in violence and called for an immediate restoration of calm to prevent further bloodshed.
Meanwhile, local leaders have urged communities to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, emphasising that peace remains essential for the nation’s future.
As investigations continue, the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger security measures and reconciliation initiatives to safeguard vulnerable populations in South Sudan’s remote areas.
