By Deng Ghai Deng
5 June 2025 – At least six people have been confirmed dead and over a dozen more injured after violent clashes erupted between fishermen from Duk County and Twic East County in Jonglei State.
The violence broke out on Wednesday when armed youth from Duk County allegedly launched an attack on Bioth-Agany Fishing Island, a disputed area claimed by Twic East County. Twic East County Commissioner Juach Arok Juach reported several fatalities and at least seven injuries, emphasizing that the full extent of the casualties is still under investigation.
“This was a coordinated attack by armed youth from Duk who targeted our people on Bioth-Agany Island,” said Commissioner Juach. “We are still verifying the exact number of fatalities.”
Duk County Commissioner John Chatim confirmed that six individuals from his county were killed, with 14 others injured in the clashes. “We have lost six people, and 14 others have sustained injuries. This violence must stop,” he stated.
Authorities believe the attack may have been a retaliatory act connected to the unresolved death of Deng Dau, also known as Deng-Moradong—a celebrated local wrestler who was killed in October 2023 under mysterious circumstances allegedly involving armed men from Duk County.
Both commissioners have urged their communities to remain calm and allow law enforcement to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.
Efforts are ongoing among local leaders and security forces to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence in the area.