A wave of violence swept through Abiemnom County in the Ruweng Administrative Area of South Sudan before sunrise on Sunday, leaving at least 169 people dead and more than 68 others nursing injuries in one of the deadliest attacks reported in the area in recent months.
South Sudan’s Information Minister, Ateny Wek Ateny, said the assault took place at about 4:29 am on Sunday, March 1. He confirmed that two senior county officials were among those killed. While he did not name the attackers, local media reports linked the raid to armed youth from Unity State.
“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan is deeply disturbed by the barbaric attack on Abiemnom county, Ruweng Administrative Area, which occurred at approximately 4:29 am, on Sunday, March 1,” the minister said.
“Following the attack, the government has confirmed the killing of the County Commissioner of Awarpiny, alongside the Executive Director of Abiemnom County. We also received reports of over 169 people having been killed, and more than 68 wounded.”
Wek said security agencies have been instructed to move quickly to restore calm, probe the incident, and ensure that those behind the killings are brought to justice. He also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid revenge attacks that could worsen the situation.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan condemned the bloodshed and said it had stepped in to protect civilians fleeing the violence. In a statement, the mission said more than 1,000 people were temporarily sheltering at its base in the area, where peacekeepers are also offering urgent medical help to the injured.
“Such violence places civilians at grave risk and must stop immediately,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer in Charge of UNMISS. “The Mission has enhanced its protective posture and is working with the Government of South Sudan to support urgent efforts to restore calm and safeguard affected communities,” Anita Kiki, Officer in charge of UNMISS, said.
The mission called for an immediate end to the fighting, warning that many innocent lives remain in danger if the clashes continue.
“I urge all involved to cease hostilities without delay and engage in constructive dialogue to address their grievances. In the meantime, our peacekeepers will continue to do everything within their capabilities to protect civilians seeking refuge at our base,” Kiki said.
