The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has condemned recent armed group attacks in Warrap state that reportedly left more than 60 civilians dead and 50 others injured. The near simultaneous assaults occurred on Sunday, August 10th, 2026, in two communities within Tonj North county, causing widespread displacement and significant destruction, including the looting of large numbers of cattle.

Acting head of UNMISS, Graham Maitland, highlighted the severe impact of intercommunal violence on already vulnerable communities and warned of the risk of further revenge attacks. In response, the mission is dispatching a long-duration peacekeeping patrol to the affected area. These "blue helmets" will assess security conditions, investigate human rights violations, and work to deter additional conflict.

UNMISS is actively engaging with officials at all levels to de-escalate tensions, urging authorities to enhance security measures and ensure accountability. Meanwhile, peacekeepers have increased patrols in parts of eastern Upper Nile state, where residents are returning to their villages after intense clashes between government and opposition armed groups.

The mission reported that many people lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones during the violence. Thabitha Nyitapo, Women’s Leader in Udier village, described the devastation: "We lost people in the bushes and later returned to find nothing but devastation; our homes were deliberately burned down by fire." Wochan Wuordol, Commissioner of Udier, added, "We have no school now."

William Jial, an UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, noted the underlying tensions, saying, "People in this community have different political views which can cause tension. Our goal is to ensure that, regardless of their differences, they can live peacefully together."

Sources