At least 15 civilians killed in cattle-related violence in Mundri East

2026-03-18 - 05:34

The commissioner of Mundri East County in Western Equatoria State says at least 15 civilians have been killed in a series of attacks linked to cattle-related violence in Minga Payam over the past week. Charles Koro told Eye Radio this evening that the violence followed a cycle of cattle raids between groups of armed herders from neighboring Terekeka and Mundri East Counties. According to the commissioner, a group of herders from neigboring Terekeka County had carried out repeated cattle raids in Mundri, prompting a retaliatory raid in which their cattle were taken. As such herders whose cattle were raided pursued the attackers but failed to recover their cattle when they struck a home and killed four family members including a woman, child and two men in Minga area on Friday. “They killed four people in the same one compound, one woman and the small daughter and the two men.” He added that a day later, attackers killed 11 more civilians bringing the total number of deaths to 15. The commissioner said all those killed were civilians who were not involved in the cattle raids. Koro said authorities have directed residents to move to safer locations, including Mowaga, Kediba and parts of Bouji, as tensions remain high. “Our role of government we are also trying to protect those of civilians who are running. I directed them to come on our side so the security will protect them.” He added that efforts are underway to coordinate with higher authorities to improve security in the affected areas.