24/12/2025
BREAKING NEWS
Early this morning, an Anyuak armed group, operating in coordination with Anyuak fighters from Pochalla County in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area of Jonglei State (South Sudan), launched a coordinated attack against Nuer civilians in Itang Special Woreda, Tharpam Sub-City, Gambella Region.
This attack occurred immediately after Nuer government officials ordered Nuer civilians who had mobilized themselves to come to Gambella to rescue their beloved family members in Berberthab Mender, Gambella to return home. These civilians had gone solely to rescue and protect their loved ones following the ambush of their family members in Abol Woreda.
This pattern is not new. It mirrors the same deadly tactic used two years ago, when the Gambella regional government publicly called for peace and persuaded Nuer civilians to return to the Nuer Zone, while Anyuak armed groups were allegedly being secretly mobilized and preparing attacks. This later resulted in the massacre of Nuer civilians in Puldeng.
Just yesterday, Nuer senior government officials were again convinced, through meetings and assurances, to return peacefully to their homes. At the same time, evidence indicates that Anyuak armed forces were actively preparing for war.
This morningโs attack on Tharpam Kebele did not occur in isolation. It reportedly took place with the full awareness and alleged complicity of certain Anyuak politicians and officials within the Gambella regional government.
The Nuer community strongly condemns this calculated violence, the repeated deception carried out under the guise of โpeace,โ and the continued failure of authorities to protect innocent civilians. These acts constitute organized violence and ethnic targeting, and they must be addressed with urgency, accountability, and decisive action by regional, federal, and international bodies.