(RUMBEK NORTH, LAKES STATE) – Authorities in Rumbek North County have confirmed that inter clan fighting between the Anien and Pajok clans of the Gak section of the Pakam community has left one person dead and six others injured. The clash reportedly began over a dispute involving an impregnated girl.
The fighting occurred in the Meen area of Rumbek Centre County after members of the Anien section met with the Pajok clan from Meen village on Monday. The commissioner of Rumbek North County, Moses Maker Magok, told media that one person from the Anien section was killed during the attack, while six individuals from the Pajok clan sustained injuries.
Government security forces were deployed to the scene to separate the conflicting groups. Commissioner Magok said the authorities are actively investigating the incident and pursuing those responsible.
“Our security forces are working diligently, and we expect to apprehend the culprits soon. These are decisive steps our government has taken,” he said.
He called on the youth of Rumbek North County to stop taking the law into their own hands and to use established government institutions to resolve disputes. He reiterated that the National Security Service and other security agencies will not tolerate vigilante actions.
Doctor Teran Madit, a surgeon at Rumbek State Hospital, confirmed that the hospital received four victims from the clash, all with gunshot injuries to the limbs. “The victims sustained gunshot wounds to their legs, with no injuries to the chest or abdomen. We managed to stop the bleeding, stabilise open fractures, and ensure their condition was stable,” he said.
Dr Madit also noted that further surgical treatment for some victims would need to be carried out in Juba due to shortages of vital equipment at Rumbek State Hospital. Among the wounded, three were men and one was a woman.
Civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon, representing the Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CEPO), confirmed the incident and urged both sides to seek peace.
“We are calling on the community not to retaliate or escalate tensions. Community initiated dialogue is the most sustainable way to resolve conflicts,” he said.
He also urged the Lakes State government to deploy forces capable of protecting lives and property along community borders.
| Key Details of Rumbek North Clash | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Meen, Rumbek Centre, Rumbek North County, Lakes State |
| Cause | Dispute over an impregnated girl |
| Fatalities | 1 (Anien clan) |
| Injuries | 6 (Pajok clan) |
| Medical Response | 4 received treatment at Rumbek State Hospital; further referrals needed to Juba |
| Authorities Response | Security forces deployed; investigations ongoing |
| Civil Society | CEPO calls for dialogue and peace |
