17 killed in Mundri East amid clashes between farmers, herders

YAMBIO – At least 17 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between farmers and suspected Mundari cattle herders in Mundri East County of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State, with violence continuing days after the initial attacks, local officials and community leaders said.

The killings occurred on Monday, 16 March 2026, in Minga Payam, where tensions between farming communities and pastoralist groups escalated into deadly confrontations. Residents say the situation remains volatile, with sporadic clashes still being reported in affected areas.

A delegation of more than 15 community members, including local leaders and civil society representatives, raised the alarm during a visit to Western Equatoria State Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa in Yambio, where they had gone to congratulate him on his recent appointment and to seek urgent intervention over the insecurity.

Fozia Magret, former Commissioner of Mundri East County and Chairperson of the state Human Rights Commission, described the scale of destruction and displacement caused by the violence.

“Many families in Kediba fled to Lui, while others from Lakamadi moved to Mundri West. Houses have been destroyed, people beaten, livestock stolen, and 17 community members killed,” she said. “Women, children, and the elderly have been left without shelter, food, or protection.”

Magret warned that the violence has severely disrupted farming activities, the primary source of livelihood for residents, at a critical time in the agricultural season.

“Our people want to farm and provide for their families without fear,” she added, calling for immediate government action to restore calm.

Silvestor Juma, Chairperson of Mundri East County, said the continued insecurity has left communities traumatised and displaced, urging authorities to respond swiftly.

“Our community is in pain. We want security, opportunities, and a government that listens,” he said. “The attacks have left residents traumatised, and swift action is necessary.”

The leaders also called for stronger coordination between Western Equatoria and neighbouring Central Equatoria State, where many of the suspected herders are believed to originate, to prevent further cross-border incursions.

Governor Rimbasa condemned the killings, describing them as “senseless and unacceptable,” and confirmed that security forces have been deployed to contain the situation and protect vulnerable populations.

He said his administration is engaging with the Central Equatoria State government to strengthen joint security arrangements and address the root causes of the conflict.

“I will personally visit the affected areas with community representatives to assess the situation, meet residents, and implement practical solutions,” Rimbasa said.

The governor also cautioned against tribal divisions, stressing the need for unity and coexistence across communities in the state.

“We envision a Western Equatoria where everyone—from Greater Mundri to Yambio, Nzara, and Ezo—feels safe and free to move without fear. Violence and division have no place in our state,” he said.

Despite assurances from authorities, residents say the situation on the ground remains tense, with fears that further violence could erupt if immediate and coordinated measures are not taken.