"If you walk around this area, you will see that almost every young person is carrying a gun."

Amang Deng, a women's representative in Akop, illustrated the persistent, severe risk posed to her community by a proliferation of weapons among populations with a long history of grievances that have fueled a cycle of violence for generations.

She was speaking to peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) who rapidly deployed to the area following deadly attacks in Greater Tonj that reportedly claimed 72 lives and injured 38 while forcing thousands of families to flee amid a cycle of retaliatory violence on 26 October.

“We didn’t hesitate and basically came right when we heard about the violence taking lives here,” explained UN Police Officer, Vildana Sedo.

“Communities need a police presence they can trust and rely on so we will stand right beside them and assist the government and national police forces in translating immediate protection into sustainable security infrastructure.”

As well as confronting serious protection issues, the affected communities are also struggling with immense humanitarian challenges.

Among those suffering most is Fatima*, a mother of twins whose husband and brother-in-law were killed during the recent attacks.

“My husband and his brother fled Akop to nearby Athieng-Poul when fighting erupted. But instead of finding refuge, they were killed.”

Fatima explained the pain of losing her loved ones as well as the memories that continue to keep her awake at night.

"The pain is almost unbearable, but I don’t even have the time to feel it. He used to support me with taking care of our family. Now I have no one left to help me care for my children," she added.

Her experience reflects the hardship many families are facing.

The Tonj North Relief and Rehabilitation Commission estimates that more than 12,000 households were displaced, seeking shelter in schools, under trees, and in neighboring communities without any idea of when it will be safe to return home or rather to what’s left of it.

Despite being lucky enough to escape with their lives, their new-found, albeit temporary, safety has brought fresh challenges. The lack of rainfall this year has further strained already minimal water supplies in Akop, with only one water point now serving both host community and displaced families – a significant trigger point for new possible tensions.

There has also been a breakdown of medical infrastructure with injured and pregnant women now lacking access to urgent care, especially after being on the run for days.

These and other concerns will inform discussions between authorities, humanitarian partners, and UNMISS as they work together to assess the situation and find solutions to deter possible retaliatory attacks.

"Dialogue is central to our work in preventing violence. Especially after an attack like this one, it is essential to bring community leaders, women, youth and local authorities together to address grievances, identify early warning signs, and support mediation before tensions re-escalate," explained Adewuyi Adewumi, UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer.

For the people of Greater Tonj, the priority is clear – support each other and find ways to break the violent cycles that have cost them, not just homes, but loved ones.

As their partner of peace, UNMISS will remain right by their side, helping to provide protection, build peace, and ensure that no one is left behind.