Violence Erupts in Mura and Tirangore Bomas of Kiyala Payam, Torit County

Dispute Over Land Leads to Tragic Consequences

Two people have lost their lives and many others have been injured in the ongoing intercommunal violence in Mura and Tirangore bomas of Kiyala Payam, Torit County. The root cause of the conflict is a disputed piece of land that both communities claim ownership of.

Decades-Long Dispute

According to Tirangore Boma Paramount Chief, Mr. Peter Ikalu Aukario, the two communities have been at odds over the land since 1998. This prolonged dispute has resulted in frequent attacks and looting incidents, particularly along the Torit – Kapoeta road, putting innocent lives at risk.

Calls for Peace

Paramount Chief of Mura Boma, Mr. Galileo Ohide Juliano, has described the situation as “disastrous” and called for urgent government intervention to prevent further bloodshed. He emphasizes the importance of peace and urges all parties involved to seek peaceful resolutions rather than resorting to violence.

Government Intervention Needed

Despite previous attempts by the Commissioner to mediate the dispute, the situation remains volatile as the youths from both communities continue to fuel the conflict. Residents are now appealing to the state government of Eastern Equatoria State to step in and ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.

The Netherlands to Close Embassy in South Sudan Due to Budget Constraints

The Netherlands has announced it will close its embassy in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, as part of a wider restructuring of its diplomatic missions due to budget constraints. This decision is part of plans to shut five embassies and two consulates worldwide, saving €25m (£21m) as the Dutch government aims to reduce its foreign ministry budget by 10%.

Reasons for Closure

In a letter to parliament, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that the closures were necessary to adapt to “far-reaching changes” in global politics, including shifting power dynamics and rising operational costs. Alongside Juba, embassies in Burundi, Libya, and Myanmar will also close, as will consulates in Antwerp, Belgium, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Impact on South Sudan

The closure of the Dutch embassy in South Sudan has raised concerns among analysts, who warn it could signal declining international engagement with the country. Dr. Abraham Kuol Nyuon, an international politics expert at the University of Juba, urged authorities to investigate the reasons behind the move and strengthen ties with remaining partners.

Security Risks and Operational Costs

The Dutch government cited high security risks and operational costs as key factors in closing missions in Juba and Libya’s capital, Tripoli. South Sudan has faced instability since gaining independence in 2011, with a fragile peace agreement under strain and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

International Withdrawals

If the closure goes ahead, the Netherlands will become the third country to withdraw its embassy from South Sudan, following Norway and Germany. The US has also reportedly considered scaling back its diplomatic presence in the country under proposed cuts by the Trump administration.

Historical Relationship

The Netherlands recognized South Sudan’s independence in 2011 and has supported peacebuilding and development efforts for decades. However, the decision to close the embassy in Juba reflects the challenges posed by budget constraints and evolving global politics.

In conclusion, the closure of the Dutch embassy in South Sudan highlights the impact of budget constraints on diplomatic missions and underscores the need for countries to adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics. It is essential for South Sudan to address the concerns raised by the closure and work towards strengthening its diplomatic relationships with other nations.