Nile Telegraph

29/06/2025

20/06/2025

Press Statement
REF: Another Nuer Looming Attack On Lou Ariik Area For A Family Eradication Agenda

Lou Ariik Youth Association (LAYA) wants to inform the people of South Sudan, the state and the national governments of a looming attack against the same victims of the last weekend’s assault on the IDP settlements in Akook village, Lou Ariik area.

The victims of the brutal attack that occurred on Sunday, June 15, 2025, are now facing the threat of another organized assault by armed Nuer youths and supervise by their allies in the swampy areas of Lou Ariik community.

We urge both the National and State governments to promptly empower and direct the State Of Emergency Taskforce to protect the innocent and vulnerable people in Akook Subsection.

While LAYA and the vulnerable population are deeply troubled by this situation, we regret the slow government response and lack of commitment to provide the necessary security and protection for those enduring immense suffering. This ongoing mobilization of hatred and the intention to eradicate the population of Akook Village are driven by individuals who have spearheaded a communal conflict agenda to intimidate others within the community.

The National and Warrap State governments are consistently at fault for not taking tangible steps to resolve the conflict within Lou Ariik Community. Recent events suggest that these governments have been collaborating with criminals and those who orchestrate conflict agendas against the victims, rather than subjecting these criminals who pretend to be traditional leaders to investigation.

The youth population of Akook area has been deeply consumed by the past nine years of internal conflict, and now the few remnants face new threats from the armed Nuer youths and their allies within Lou. Meanwhile, the innocent elderly, women, and displaced children are suffering from diseases, hunger, and the constant fear of impending attacks intended to eradicate the family.

LAYA initially thought that the Presidential order for a State of Emergency was meant to protect the innocent victims of the civilian armed conflict in Tonj area. However, we are now surprised to see that the most vulnerable sections are being left to fend for themselves or perish without any consideration.

We urge the government to investigate the intentions behind the plan to eradicate the segments of families in Akook village, particularly the collaboration with the White Army from Mayom County. LAYA calls on the National Government to determine what wrongs the Akook population has committed against the rest of the community that would justify such an extreme measure and hatred that cannot be justified through dialogues.

The questions in our minds are: Where do we belong as a people? Where is the government that can protect our lives and properties? Has the government agreed that this family should extinct?

Ariik Mawien Gum
Chairperson - Lou Ariik Youth Association (LAYA) – Juba
Date: 19 Jun 2025

20/06/2025

Press Statement

Condemnation of Recent Cattle Raiding and Targeted Attack on Lou Ariik Community

Lou Ariik Youth Association (LAYA) expresses deep regret and strong condemnation regarding the recent cattle raiding and targeted attacks on the innocent population of Lou Ariik Community in Akook Subsection.

We are troubled by the ongoing violence directed at a small segment of Pan Ariik Ngarbek family, who have faced horrific killings amid communal strife and coordinated ethnic violence aimed at wiping out this family and threatening their very existence.

This brutal assault, which occurred on Sunday, June 15, 2025, led to the tragic loss of 11 innocent lives and left 26 others injured. The attackers, armed youths from the neighbouring Mayom County in Unity State and their allies, have caused immense suffering to a community that is already vulnerable.

What makes this attack even more alarming is that it comes at a time when Akook Subsection is being systematically targeted, putting the lives of a small population in a confined area at risk, especially as they lack essential services and support.

The ongoing communal violence has only exacerbated tensions and sparked further aggression against the family, forcing them into hiding. There have been numerous attempts by members of Lou community to rally armed Nuer youths to track down the IDP settlements in Akook, aiming to use these external armed groups as allies to escalate communal and sectional conflicts on their behalf.

The assault by armed Nuer youths and the looting of the family's remaining possessions further jeopardize the lives of Akook residents and their resources.

LAYA is reaching out to the National Government, Warrap State, and the State of Emergency Task Force to ensure the safety and protection of Akook population in Lou Ariik area. We strongly encourage local authorities and humanitarian organizations to step in and address the rising crisis while providing support to the families affected. It's crucial that justice is served and that steps are taken to prevent any further violence in the community.

LAYA stands in solidarity with the victims and their families during this tragic time, urging all stakeholders to come together for lasting peace and security in the region. We continue to call on the humanitarian community and peacebuilding agencies to help facilitate the peace and reconciliation process for those impacted. Additionally, we urge the government to take responsibility for the safety and protection of innocent lives, especially in Akook Subsection, where Pan Ariik community has been targeted for the past nine years.

We badly regret the fact that the National & State governments have been watching with joy the plans and the episodes of our extinction in Lou Ariik area. The questions in our minds are: Where do we belong as a people? Where is the government that can protect our lives and properties? Has the government agreed that this family should extinct?

Ariik Mawien Gum
Chairperson - Lou Ariik Youth Association (LAYA) – Juba
Date: 19 Jun 2025
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15/06/2025

For Immediate Release*

Attack on Lou Ariik Community by Suspected White Army Militias

June 15, 2025 – Lou Ariik, South Sudan* – At approximately 10:00 AM this morning, armed militias believed to be members of the White Army, reportedly originating from Mayom in Unity State, launched a violent attack on the Lou Ariik community.

According to initial reports, the attackers raided cattle and killed dozens of people. The violence is ongoing, and the exact number of casualties as per reporter remains unconfirmed as fighting continues in the area.

Community leaders are calling for urgent intervention to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.