Map of Western Equatoria State. | Courtesy.

The Network of Civil Society Organizations in Western Equatoria State (NCSOWES) is appealing to the national government to intervene and put an end to the tribal conflict in Tambura County.

In a joint statement on Monday, the network recounted several incidents of killings, kidnapping of civilians, looting and burning of houses since late October, 2024.

The civil society coalition said it strongly condemns the recurrence of the 2021 unrest where widespread human rights violations and abuses were committed.

The alliance blamed Tambura authorities for keeping quiet about the situation and failing to hold accountable the perpetrators of human rights violations.

They appealed to the national government to intervene and put and end to the protracted conflict which cause immense suffering to women, children and the elderly people.

The network called for deployment of neutral forces to calm the situation as soon as possible and justice to victims of the violence.

“National government should intervene to put an end to the tribal conflict in Tambura, to stop the long suffering of innocent women, children, youth and elderly people by deploying new neutral forces,” said Odetta Miwai, Deputy Chairperson of the network.

Miwai said the situation must be brought under control as soon as possible before Christmas.

“National and state governments should provide logistics and upkeep for the deployed neutral forces to Tambura. Number three, justice should be served to the victims and perpetrators in Tambura face the law.”

“The humanitarian intervention should be prompt to save lives in Tambura, Ezo, Nigero and Yambio County. IDP settlement should be established in the counties where IDPs from Tambura are seeking refugee.”

Early this month, Western Equatoria State deputy governor led a peace committee to Tambura where he talked the locals including the displaced persons and called for peaceful co-existence.

However, the insecurities have persisted despite the state authorities’ efforts to quell the situation.

The organization went on to appeal to the communities in Tambura and those in the diaspora to fueling the conflict.

“The youth, elders and politicians from Tambura, Western Equatoria and national level and diaspora of Azande and Balanda should stop inciting the tribal conflict in Tambura and rather promote peaceful dialogue and resolution or peaceful coexistence.”

“The communities Azande and Balanda should deter from participating and promoting the conflict but should cooperate with the government to provide information on suspects and perpetrators to face justice.”

“We are calling on the political will of the state and national government to resolve the conflict in Tambura and bring peace before Christmas.”