(BOR, JONGLEI STATE) – Authorities in Bor, the capital of Jonglei State, have launched a security operation following an attack on traders from the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region. The incident occurred on Saturday night in the Panliet suburb, where armed men raided a residential compound and injured several occupants.
The victims, who are mostly businesspeople running small and medium enterprises, sustained serious injuries, with some later transferred to Juba for further medical care. Local leaders and business associations have strongly condemned the attack, warning that such violence threatens not only lives but also commercial activity between communities.
Bor Municipal Council Mayor, Jacob Achiek Machar Ayuen-Mawer, confirmed the assault and stressed that it was carried out by a small group of individuals and not the wider Bor community. He urged residents not to retaliate and assured the public that law enforcement is pursuing those responsible.
“Three days ago, there was an incident in Panliet. It was not something planned by the Bor community. It was a few individuals who decided to act against our brothers from Greater Bahr el Ghazal. We strongly condemn it — Achiek.”
He also pointed out other unrelated violent incidents in Bor, calling on residents to stand together against criminal elements.
The Greater Bahr el Ghazal Community in Jonglei State, represented by chairperson John Deng Madit, also condemned the attack and called on security forces to act swiftly:
“This was a cowardly and targeted attack on innocent traders. We urge the authorities to identify those involved and hold them accountable.”
Community leaders warned that such attacks risk disrupting business ties between Jonglei and Bahr el Ghazal traders. Many of the victims run small trading businesses that contribute to the local economy through the supply of food, livestock, and household goods. Any disruption, they said, would also hurt consumers and local markets.
Security forces have since increased patrols in and around Panliet, working closely with community leaders to restore calm and prevent ethnic tensions from escalating. Officials assured the public that stability and safe trading conditions remain a priority for local authorities.
