The renewed violence underscores the persistent tensions in the region, largely attributed to disputes over fishing rights and unresolved grievances in the fertile Toich.
Last year, a dozen people were killed, including well know wrestler, Deng Maradong, after the youth from the Hol and Ayual communities clashed over the same Toich area.
Juach Arok Juach, Twic East County Commissioner, said the seven people sustaining gunshot injuries in the fight.
“Seven people have sustained injuries from the Ayual community, and they have been transported to Bor town for better medical attention,” said Juach.
He added that the casualties are yet to be communicated, citing poor network connection in the Toich area.
“There are several casualties, but the network in the area is not working well, so we are not yet sure of the exact figure,” said Juach.
Juach claimed that the Hol community have taken their wounded to the Panyijar County of Unity State for medication.
The violence erupted over long-standing disputes, believed to be related to fishing rights in the fertile Toich region and unresolved grievances.
Both the Ayual and Hol are subsections of the larger Dinka Bor community and have historically coexisted, but tensions have flared intermittently over access to resources and past incidents.
The Beath Agany area, known for its fishing grounds, has frequently been a flashpoint for such disputes.
The Jonglei State government has been urged by community leaders and civil society organisations to intervene swiftly to de-escalate the situation, ensure the injured receive medical attention, and hold perpetrators accountable to prevent further bloodshed.
The recurring nature of intercommunal violence in Jonglei State often exacerbates humanitarian challenges, leading to displacement and hindering development efforts in an already vulnerable region of South Sudan.
