JUBA — The National Civil Society Coalition (NCSC), an umbrella of civil society organisations, on Wednesday called for urgent intervention by Jonglei State authorities as reports indicate that rival communities in Duk and Twic East counties are mobilising for a possible attack.
The warning came amid rising tensions over the past three days between communities in Duk and Twic East counties, largely over ownership of fishing grounds in Twic East.
In a statement to the media on Wednesday, Bol Deng Bol, Chairperson of the National Civil Society Coalition, urged security forces to intervene and called for the initiation of an inclusive dialogue to end the recurring cycle of conflict in fishing grounds.
“As we speak, in the last three days, we have been informed that the rival communities are preparing now to engage themselves, and they are mobilising themselves with all their might to engage themselves again,” Deng said.
He said the violence between the Hol and Ayual has now escalated, drawing in other communities as well as traders from Bor County, Ayod County, and other groups operating in the disputed fishing grounds.
“As we speak, over time, the conflict has escalated and involved different other communities, especially in Twic East County, and many other communities, especially the traders of Bor County and Ayod County, and different other nationalities in that particular fishing area,” he said.
Deng said the continued mobilisation risks reversing recent peace gains in the region, which has experienced cycles of inter-communal clashes in recent years.
“This has been happening in the recent past. It also happened two days ago, and it is happening now that communities are preparing themselves for this particular rival group that has been engaging for a long time,” he said.
According to the outspoken activist, civil society groups are concerned about the safety of rival communities and other people living around the fishing grounds.
“Their lives are at risk; their livelihoods are as well at risk. And the policy of the communities of a return, you know, that communities should return to their local areas, to their homes, to rebuild their lives.”
He said the looming violence could likely disrupt ongoing efforts and policies aimed at returning displaced communities to their home areas.
“You know, engaging in this particular policy to have the people come back to their homes, to rebuild their lives and prepare to prevent the possibility of flooding. This policy is as well at risk, and we are worried about these three issues.”
He urged Jonglei State and national authorities to deploy preventive security measures.
“I want to appeal to the government of Jonglei State and strongly appeal to the national government to engage immediately, engage today and not tomorrow, and engage the communities in dialogue,” he said.
“Engage the communities in terms of security, provide a buffer zone, interfere in this, and stop the conflict that is likely to happen between these communities.”
Tensions between the Hol community of Duk County and the Ayual community of Twic East County have resulted in at least 13 deaths and more than 20 injuries due to clashes over a disputed fishing area on 6 June 2025.
The fighting erupted when armed youth from Duk County allegedly attacked Bioth-Agany Fishing Island, a contested territory claimed by Twic County.
