South Sudan: Ethnic violence kills 43 in Jonglei state (east) Nov. 28

Event

At least 43 people were killed in interethinic clashes on Tuesday, November 28, in eastern Jonglei state. A group of armed men attacked the village of Duk Payuel, burning several homes, stealing livestock, and leaving 43 dead and another 19 injured. The perpetrators were reportedly members of the Murle ethnic group from Boma state, and targeted the village because the population is of the Dinka Bor ethnic group. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported on Wednesday, November 29, that it is sending peacekeepers and human rights observers to monitor the area around the village.

Context

South Sudan has been wracked by years of political, interethnic, and intercommunal violence - exacerbated by border and oil revenue disputes with Sudan. Following the 2011 signature of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that gave the country its independence from Sudan, the predominantly north-south conflict has given way to a pattern of internal violence. Since December 2013, the country has experienced an intermittent civil war waged between the government of President Salva Kiir and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) on one side, and Machar and the Sudan People's Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) on the other. The conflict has continued despite international support for state-building and peace-keeping - including the 12,000-strong UNMISS force, deployed since 2011. The number of South Sudanese citizens displaced by the conflict currently stands at some 3.5 million.

Advice

Many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to South Sudan. Certain regions should be particularly avoided, including the states of Unity and Upper Nile, the north of Warrap state, parts of Eastern and Central Equatoria states, and areas along the border with the Central African Republic, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If travel is necessary, ensure that proper security protocols are in place.