Cattle raids kill at least 72 people in South Sudan

At least 72 people were killed in a co-ordinated attack on Monday involving two communities in Tonj North county, according to the Warrap state government. Cattle were taken and homes burnt.

The raid followed violence last Friday that killed eight people. In August, at least 60 people were killed in the same area, according to the conflict monitor Acled.

Governor Angelo Ngot Mayar ordered security agencies to evacuate the wounded and said efforts were under way to recover the cattle and find those behind the attack. The state appealed for help for women, children and older people left without food, shelter and medicine.

Background

Cattle are a main source of wealth for many communities, and raids are often part of a cycle of revenge attacks. South Sudan is due to hold its first election since independence in 2011 in December, but preparations have lagged.