Local chief killed in Aweil East violent inter-clan land dispute

AWEIL – At least two people, including a local chief, were killed on Saturday after a land dispute escalated into violence in Kunyuk village, Yargot Payam of Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

The incident occurred on February 7, 2026, during a meeting convened to resolve a long-standing disagreement over a piece of ancestral land between two closely related clans.

Speaking to this outlet in an exclusive phone interview on Monday, Paul Kuc Akot, Director of Information in the Aweil East County administration, said the meeting was organised by Garang Aleu Wol, an intellectual working in Juba who had returned home after learning of tensions in his community.

According to Kuc, Garang—also known locally as Captain Garang Aleu Wol—called for dialogue between his clan, Pariath, and the Paliech clan, which is closely related to them.

“As the meeting was progressing and consultations were being made to trace the roots of the problem over the piece of land, Garang’s elder brother, Aleu Aleu, suddenly stood up and speared three people,” Kuc said.

Among those speared was the chief of the Paliech clan, who died instantly from his injuries.

The violence quickly spiralled. Kuc explained that angry youth retaliated, taking matters into their own hands. Garang Aleu Wol was severely beaten in what authorities described as a revenge attack. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Garang’s younger brother and another man who had been speared during the initial attack are currently receiving medical treatment.

The deaths of the chief and Garang have heightened tensions in the area, raising concerns about potential further clashes.

Kuc urged residents to refrain from organising sensitive meetings, particularly over contentious land matters, without notifying local authorities.

“Such meetings should be conducted with the knowledge of the local government, which can provide security in case disagreements arise,” he said.

On Sunday, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Governor Charles Madut Akol travelled to Kunyuk village to assess the situation and console the affected families.

The governor called for calm and restraint, assuring residents that investigations are underway and that those responsible will be held accountable in accordance with the law.