At least 35 people were killed and 46 others wounded when unidentified attackers raided cattle camps in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state last week, a local community leader confirmed.

The attacks, which took place on January 31, targeted four cattle camps belonging to the Dinka Bor community in Magwi County. Mayom Ateny, a local leader, said around 11,000 head of cattle were stolen during the raid.

Authorities, including Magwi County Commissioner Olum Pole Pole Ataruk and Eastern Equatoria State Information Minister Elia John Ahaji, have not yet commented on the incident.

Cattle raids remain a major source of conflict in South Sudan, where livestock represents wealth and social status. Cattle are often used as dowry, with families offering anywhere from a few dozen to several hundred animals in marriage negotiations. Armed groups frequently engage in violent clashes over these resources, leading to heightened ethnic tensions.

Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), condemned the escalating violence between cattle keepers and farming communities in Eastern Equatoria. He urged all parties to show restraint and called for an end to such attacks.

South Sudan, which experienced a civil war from 2013 to 2018, remains fragile despite a peace agreement among its main warring factions. While large-scale hostilities have decreased, local conflicts driven by competition for land and livestock continue to destabilize the country.

Authorities and international organizations have called for stronger security measures and reconciliation efforts to prevent further violence. However, the widespread availability of weapons and deep-seated rivalries continue to pose significant challenges. Investigations into the latest attack are ongoing, while fears of further retaliation persist.