Cattle raid attacks in South Sudan leave dozens dead and wounded
In South Sudan's Jonglei State, an attack on cattle camps in Duk County resulted in the deaths of 35 people. Armed individuals targeted the camps on Sunday, February 2, leaving several others wounded and stealing numerous cattle. John Deng, a community leader in Duk County, highlighted the recurring violence related to cattle raids, often driven by disputes over resources and ethnic tensions. The government has struggled to curb these incidents, which continue to undermine peace efforts in the region.
Authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators of the latest attack, and no group has claimed responsibility. Local officials are calling for increased security measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further violence. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed concern over the escalating violence and urged all parties to engage in dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict.
Additionally, at least 41 people, including women and children, were killed in an attack on a cattle camp in Nyolo village, Eastern Equatoria State, last week. The assault, which took place early Friday morning, also left 65 others wounded, with several individuals still missing. An official statement described the incident as a “cold-blooded massacre targeting unarmed civilians,” warning of escalating violence in the region. UNMISS expressed deep concern over the growing conflict between cattle herders and settled farming communities, which has forced many residents to flee their homes.
The attack triggered retaliatory clashes in nearby villages, heightening fears of further violence. In response, UNMISS announced plans to deploy peacekeepers to the affected areas to help restore stability.
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Ituri Under Surveillance
Rising Security Concerns The political fragmentation in eastern DRC continues to threaten the fragile stability of Ituri. The failure of the Doha process and the breakdown of the republican pact could pave the way for a new wave of unrest in the region. On April 22, 2025, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with leaders of the Lendu militia CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) in Entebbe. Officially, the meeting was convened to address CODECO’s attack on Ugandan military positions in Ituri, a confrontation that adds to past clashes between the group and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Key Figures and Discussions The CODECO delegation, led by Dunji Kulukpa Etienne (Vice President of the Lendu community), included political and militant representatives. On the Ugandan side, top-ranking officials participated: • General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF • Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Land Forces Commander • Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division • Brigadier General Oscar Munanura, Deputy Assistant Chief of Intelligence and Security Earlier in the week, CODECO leaders had already engaged with Ugandan military commanders. During the Entebbe meeting, Mr. Dunji expressed gratitude for Uganda’s reception and apologized for the Fataki clashes between CODECO and the UPDF. He claimed the militia had been influenced by external forces and emphasized that the Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities do not view Uganda as an adversary. Dunji also highlighted Ituri’s worsening humanitarian crisis, attributing it to political divisions, while praising Uganda’s contributions in healthcare, refugee assistance, and economic aid. Uganda’s Expanding Influence in Ituri General Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s historical presence in North Kivu and Ituri, citing counter-insurgency operations dating back to the early 2000s. He urged CODECO leaders to collaborate with the UPDF in pursuit of a lasting peace. As a demonstration of goodwill, Ugandan forces provided free medical care to wounded CODECO fighters. Strategic Implications: A Larger Agenda? While Uganda frames this meeting as a step toward reconciliation, analysts at African Security Analysis suggest a deeper motive. They argue that the gathering was part of a broader effort to integrate CODECO into the militant coalition led by Thomas Lubanga, potentially setting the stage for coordinated offensives in Ituri, particularly targeting Bunia. If confirmed, this would signal a significant shift in the security landscape, with Uganda deepening its influence in Ituri under the guise of conflict resolution. The region remains under scrutiny as stakeholders assess the evolving dynamics.
Strengthening Maritime Security and Navigating Sahelian Integration Challenges
On 23 April, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) will convene its fourth session under the theme “The Imperative of a Combined Maritime Task Force in Addressing Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.” Over the last decade, Gulf of Guinea states have deepened regional cooperation and harnessed digital technologies to bolster Maritime Domain Awareness, driving piracy incidents down from 84 in 2020 to just 18 in 2024. Yet much of this capability rests on platforms developed, financed, and controlled by external partners, leaving coastal states exposed to shifting geopolitical winds.
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