SUMMARY

The Balanda - Dinka fighting erupted because of disagreements over the relocation of Wau County administrative headquarters. The Balanda resisted this relocation while the Dinka was supportive. This led to ethnic animosity that was used by different politicians. The animosity led to fighting between the communities in December 2012. The resistance to relocate the administrative headquarters also led to demonstrations. In these demonstrations the police shot against the demonstrators leading to about ten civilians being killed (for further information, see the one-sided violence during 2012 Government of South Sudan - Civilians). As the Government of South Sudan was dominated by Dinka this increased the grievance that the Balanda felt.

The non-state conflict between the Balanda and Dinka is first included in UCDP data in 2012. In December of that year, clashes between the two groups had resulted in around 28 battle-related deaths.