Call to Suspend Sporting Events as Violence Escalates in Warrap State.

JUBA — Hosting celebratory sporting activities while ongoing violence claims civilian lives is deeply misplaced. In light of the recent tragic events where close to 100 people lost their life’s in Tonj, all sporting initiatives—including the Warrap State Peace Tournament (WSPT)—should be immediately suspended. Warrap is currently facing severe instability, making celebrations of “peace” disconnected from reality. Furthermore, participation by Tonj natives in these events while hundreds of their community members suffer and lose their lives in rural villages raises serious moral concerns.

The immediate trigger for these calls follows fresh violence reported by @PLUSTWOONEONE.COM. At least 73 people were killed and 34 others injured in recent clashes in Tonj South County, located roughly 500 kilometers from Juba.

Local reports indicate that the attacks are part of escalating inter-communal tensions, further intensified by political maneuvering ahead of the December 2026 general elections and an worsening nationwide humanitarian crisis.

According to the Warrap State Information Minister, violence erupted in the early this week, when armed attackers targeted the villages. The clashes resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides, while an unspecified number of homes were set on fire, leaving numerous families displaced and homeless.

State authorities attributed the incident to an ongoing cycle of attacks and retributive violence that has persisted since late 2025, while noting that an independent investigation is required to fully determine the drivers behind the latest raid.

To prevent further escalation, the Warrap State government has deployed units of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) together with police and security personnel to stabilize the area.