The Vice Chief, Ato Othow, attended the burial of the late Dungdit in Kuergeng town of Lare. Elders attempted to escort him away due to fears of retaliation from grieving community members who were convinced that the perpetrators were criminal elements from the Anyuak community.

However, Ato Othow refused their advice, stating: “Even though I am an Anyuak, I belong to this woreda and proudly serve its people. I will remain at the funeral, and if anyone wants to harm me because of my ethnicity, they may choose to do so.”

Lare Woreda hosts a significant Anyuak population along the Openo corridor, living in towns and villages such as Majack, Nyang, and Chotgur, all of which fall under the jurisdiction of Lare and the Kuergeng municipality. Retaliating against the Vice Chief would inevitably endanger these peaceful Anyuak communities, who have no involvement in the crimes committed by elements from Abol and Itang.

Ato Othow remained among the crowd during the ceremony and was still in Lare at the time of this writing. The situation presents a challenge that only a strong and responsive government can manage. Cycles of revenge will not ease the suffering of Dungdit’s family, nor will they restore his life. Likewise, harming the Woreda leadership would not bring justice, as the attackers had no personal connection to him. Instead, it would deepen the community’s grief and suffering.

The Gambella Regional Government must support these communities, who genuinely desire peaceful coexistence, by ensuring that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice. Strengthening law enforcement and accountability is essential to preventing further violence and protecting all residents regardless of ethnicity.

This message was compiled by Pel Kun Chol, a Lare Woreda Native from Riek Kebele