# Intercommunal violence in Lakes State, South Sudan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/intercommunal-violence-in-lakes-state-south-sudan
> Updated: 2026-10-12T17:35:40.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Armed clashes in the Rumbek area of Lakes State, South Sudan, have resulted in significant casualties. Initial reports indicated that at least 71 people were killed, including four soldiers, during violence involving rival factions of the Pakam community fighting for control over grazing lands.

Subsequent reports clarified that the violence involved armed youths from the Pakam community in Rumbek North County and the Nyang community in Rumbek Central County, both of which are part of the Dinka ethnic group. While the death toll was cited at approximately 70 people, local hospitals reported being overwhelmed by more than 50 wounded patients, many with gunshot wounds. 

Government security forces and United Nations peacekeepers have been deployed to restore order. While the specific immediate cause of this outbreak remains unclear, the region has a history of conflict regarding cattle, grazing land, and revenge killings.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: South Sudan clashes leave scores dead in Lakes state

Clashes between Pakam and Nyang community youths in Lakes state, South Sudan, have left approximately 70 people dead and overwhelmed local hospitals with wounded patients.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-sudan-clashes-leave-scores-dead-in-lakes-state

### 2026-10-09: South Sudan clashes kill at least 71 people in Rumbek

At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were killed in armed clashes between rival Pakam community factions over grazing lands in Rumbek, South Sudan.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-sudan-clashes-kill-at-least-71-people-in-rumbek

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Cite as: Intercommunal violence in Lakes State, South Sudan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/intercommunal-violence-in-lakes-state-south-sudan