Northern Bahr el Ghazal raises alarm over Misseriya attacks

The Northern Bahl Ghazal State has appealed to the national government’s intervention to end the Misseriya militias’ attacks on innocent civilians.

“We appeal to the national government of South Sudan to put an end to these frequent attacks on our innocent civilians,” said William Anyuon Kuol, the Minister of Information and Communication in Northern Bahr Ghazal State.

The statement comes after nine civilians and three soldiers were killed in an attack on Yilh Pobol village in Majiep Payam of Aweil East County.

Kuol accused the Misseriya militiamen of carrying out a series of attacks on civilians in the state. He said the attacks have been rampant since December 30, 2021.

“The Misseriya militiamen sneaked into the village at night with the intention of killing and looting the properties of innocent civilians,” William said.

He said the attackers killed 15 individuals and left a wounded horse, as well as 10 AKM weapons and two rocket-propelled grenades behind.

“On  December 30, 2021, they entered the farm and killed one person in his house, and our people killed two from the side of the attackers at Warguet.”

“On the same day, they attacked Warguet Payam and claimed the lives of four civilians, including a 5-year-old child.”

The state administration has condemned the attacks, calling them “a clear breach of the 2012 Cooperation Agreement inked between South Sudan and Sudan in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.” However, William urged the residents in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to remain calm and assured them of the government’s protection.