JUBA – South Sudan’s Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) on Friday denied accusations that its youth had been concerned in a lethal cattle raid on January 31 that left greater than 40 individuals useless.
The GPAA’s denial comes after Jonglei State authorities alleged that raiders from the world had been liable for the assault on a Dinka Bor cattle camp in Aru Junction, Eastern Equatoria State. The incident adopted days of rising tensions with native communities in Eastern Equatoria.
Jacob Werchum Juok, GPAA’s minister of knowledge and communication, challenged Jonglei State authorities to offer proof supporting their claims.
“We emphatically denounce the blatant accusations by the Jonglei State authority that our youths were involved in the fatal attack on a cattle camp at Aru Junction, Eastern Equatoria State,” Juok stated. “We categorically deny any involvement of our youth in such actions and demand that the government of Jonglei State conduct an independent investigation into this matter and make the outcome public.”
Juok asserted that GPAA youth remained inside their territory and had not allied with any group to hold out assaults inside South Sudan or the Equatoria area, as alleged. He emphasised the GPAA’s dedication to peace and cooperation with neighboring communities.
The assault focused Dinka Bor herders who had moved their cattle to Eastern Equatoria State.
No group has claimed duty for the raid. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed requires peaceable relocation of herders and a complete method to addressing the foundation causes of battle within the area.