UN warns of ‘increased’ ethnic tensions in South Sudan

JUBA – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has warned of escalation of ethnic tensions in different parts of the world’s youngest country, as dry season, always characterized by cross-border cattle raids, is nearing.

David Shearer, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS told reporters during a press conference in Juba on Wednesday that ethnic tensions are expected to increase with the onset of the dry season.

“I think the bottom line is – as everybody knows here – the opportunity for conflict increases during the dry season. During the rainy season, people are restricted in their movements. There’s enough water and generally feed around for cattle. When the dry season comes, people start moving toward water points, and these are often restricted,” Shearer said.

“I think we can anticipate increased tensions, and I think those increased tensions are also in existence because of the flooding that we’ve had, which has reduced cattle numbers. In addition to that, the economic situation at the moment – which is pretty bad – and some of the violence we have seen,” he added.

The United Nations diplomat said areas where violence is expected to surge includes Jonglei, Greater Warrap as well as the disputed region of Abyei, where Arab nomads have been attacking ethnic South Sudanese in the pass few months.

“I think the areas we are watching in particular – and I hope it doesn’t happen – but in cases, obviously in Jonglei, between the communities, between Murle and Lou Nuer, in particular, but possibly also Dinka as well, and in Tonj. South, North and East Tonj, and particularly Tonj East – people there being able to get their cattle to grazing lands,” he said.

“So all of these areas, we need to be talking about it now rather than waiting for problems to happen. There needs to be agreements now for that cattle migration to happen. Last week, I am pleased to say I was in Aweil. And in Aweil, there’s been some very good work that’s happened between the Dinka groups and the Misseriya,” he added.

He however said “It seems that the tension between those two groups has come right down.

“Compensation has been paid for some of the issues that have gone on there, and that has enabled, or will enable, people to be able to move their cattle through, as they have done for many, many years, without too much tension. I think they’ve done a good job in that area.”