Calm Returns to Rumbek After Armed Youth, SSPDF Clash Over Cattle in Lakes

(RUMBEK EAST) – Calm has returned to Rumbek East County in South Sudan’s Lakes State after a violent confrontation between members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed youth, according to local authorities.

The clash which stemmed from resistance to law enforcement operations over cattle raiding left one suspected raider dead and five SSPDF officers injured.

The Acting State Minister of Information, William Koji, confirmed that security forces managed to contain the situation before it escalated further. He explained that the confrontation was sparked by armed individuals who refused to surrender stolen cattle. As a result, violence broke out during the attempted recovery operation.

To prevent any further unrest, state authorities have since deployed reinforcements to the area. Minister Koji also stated that the armed youths involved in the incident had returned to their cattle camps. In addition, the County Commissioner and the Minister of Local Government have visited the scene to assess the situation and engage with local communities.

Koji dismissed as false the widespread rumours that security personnel had killed the suspected cattle raider inside his home, clarifying that such misinformation had played a major role in fuelling tensions. Following the rumours, a group of armed youths attacked the police base in Pacong, reportedly seeking revenge for their colleague.

Civil society groups have expressed concern about the volatile security situation in Rumbek East and the surrounding areas. Daniel Laat Kon, the State Coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said many young people in the area were regrouping, rearming, and reportedly consuming alcohol, creating a dangerous atmosphere.

“The area remains tense. The youth are said to be preparing more attacks. Many are drunk and heavily armed, which increases the risk of further violence,” said Laat. He warned of the possibility of revenge attacks and called on the state government to take urgent action.

Laat reiterated the longstanding demands from civil society for a coordinated disarmament campaign and a state-wide ban on alcohol. He cautioned that failure to tackle the culture of armed youth could contribute to broader national insecurity.

At the time of reporting, there were no indications of new fighting, but observers noted that the region remains on edge and that community trust in state forces is fragile.