SUMMARY

The Luac Jang Dinka in Warrap State and the Bul Nuer in the neighboring Unity State, both in South Sudan have traditionally competed over resources such as water, grazing, and cattle. The Bul Nuer - Luac Jang Dinka fighting is part of the broader Dinka - Nuer context. Historically, the tension between the two largest ethnic groups in Southern Sudan (South Sudan after its independence in 2011) Dinka and Nuer have been categorized by competition over power.

Conflicts between the two groups have been going on for a long time and the traditional main reason behind the attacks is cattle raiding. Conflicts over cattle are still ongoing but later, however, many of the conflicts between the two ethnic groups are political. The animosity between the groups was used by the regime in Khartoum in a divide and rule policy during the North-South civil war. This resulted in that much of the killing during the war was between Dinka and Nuer. After the war ended in 2005 Southern Sudan became semi-autonomous and Dinka - Nuer tension took place over political power. A competition that has continued and been reinforced after the independence of South Sudan in July 2011, especially after the outbreak of civil war in December 2013. Hence, the two groups compete in many different spheres in society.

The non-state conflict between the Bul Nuer and the Luac Jang Dinka was first included in UCDP data in 2012. In late January of that year, clashes between the two groups had resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths.