Inter-community clashes leave five dead in South Sudan

South Sudan has recorded at least five deaths as a result of clashes this weekend between cattle herders and agricultural farmers in the Lokiliri area.

Five men were killed in the most recent attack, which took place in the village of Nierjebe, in the part of the Juba region devastated by agro-pastoralist conflicts.

Edmond Yakani, a South Sudanese civil society figure and director of the Cepo organization, called the act "unacceptable" and "inhumane".

He also called on the authorities to intervene so that the perpetrators are arrested, because there is a risk of "triggering inter-community violence".

"Dinka cattle herders must abolish the practice of killing innocent civilians with whom they come into contact during their migratory movements," explained Nierjebe, as reported by Radio France International.

For its part, the regional government of Central Equatoria - the territory to which the people displaced by floods and violence are moving - condemned on Sunday the actions and gave an ultimatum of 72 hours for them to "return unconditionally" or they will be "expelled by force".

"The ultimatum followed the brutal killing of five innocent civilians in (...) Juba County by armed herdsmen on the night of November 11," reads the statement from the regional Cabinet, which in turn has expressed its "sadness for the cruel event, and condemned and conveyed its condolences to the families."