Juba, South Sudan – August 6, 2025

The INTREPID-South Sudan (ISS), a national nongovernmental organization focused on peacebuilding, human rights, democracy, and youth and women empowerment, has issued a strong condemnation following a deadly cattle raid in Mogiri, Central Equatoria State, on the evening of August 5, 2025.

The attack, carried out by unidentified armed groups, targeted cattle traders from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area at the Mogiri cattle market, a designated trading hub, resulting in loss of lives and the theft of an unspecified number of cattle.

In a press statement released today, ISS expressed deep concern over the violent disruption of routine commercial activities and extended heartfelt sympathies to the victims and their families. The organization emphasized that the incident undermines the fundamental responsibility of South Sudan’s law enforcement agencies to protect lives, properties, and livelihoods, as mandated by the country’s laws.

“This act of violence against traders going about their lawful business is unacceptable,” the statement read. “We call on the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to take immediate action to address this breach of security and ensure justice for those affected.”

ISS outlined three key demands in response to the incident:

1. Deployment of Security Forces: The organization urged the immediate deployment of security personnel to the Mogiri area to restore order and apprehend the perpetrators of the raid.
2. Security Escorts on Juba-Bor Road: To prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of travelers, ISS called for security escorts for commercial and passenger vehicles along the Juba-Bor road, a critical route for trade and transportation.
3. National Reflection on Peacebuilding: ISS appealed to all South Sudanese to reflect on the kind of nation they wish to build—one marked by self-destruction and violence or one rooted in tolerance, unity, and development.

The Mogiri cattle raid is the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to cattle raiding and intercommunal clashes in South Sudan, which have long plagued the country. Such acts exacerbate tensions between communities and threaten the fragile peace process under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The ongoing violence has displaced thousands and strained humanitarian efforts, with the United Nations reporting over 9.3 million people in need of assistance as of 2025.

ISS reiterated its commitment to fostering peace, human rights, and inclusive development, urging all stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of such violence. The organization called for renewed efforts to strengthen security sector reforms and promote dialogue to prevent further loss of life and livelihoods.

As South Sudan approaches its 14th year of independence, the incident in Mogiri serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the nation in achieving lasting peace and stability. The government has yet to issue an official response to the raid, but pressure is mounting for decisive action to restore security and confidence among citizens.

Written by

Francis Oyet

Oyet Francis Opwonya, known commonly as Francis L’Oyet is a Ugandan South Sudanese investigative journalist and software engineer. Oyet is the founder and CEO of Oyet Broadcasting Services (OBS Network), an innovation hub and headquarters of The Northern Press in Uganda and The Malakal Press, located in Malakal City, Upper Nile State in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan