By Simon Deng
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Friday called for an investigation into a series of recent violent clashes between armed actors in Central Equatoria State which has resulted in the deaths of 24 people, including 19 civilians.
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS said that they are deeply concerned with the brutal acts of the armed actors in parts of Central Equatoria State.
“I am deeply concerned by these brutal acts and urgently call on the government of South Sudan to conduct an immediate investigation to bring perpetrators to justice swiftly,” said Haysom in a statement issued in Juba.
Haysom said that the violent incidents allegedly involved attacks and counter-attacks between former members of the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Gen Thomas Cirilo Swaka, in Wonduruba and Ganji areas of Central Equatoria State.
UNMISS has intensified patrols across Central Equatoria State and is engaging with State and local authorities as well as community leaders to access the area and prevent further escalations, Haysom said.
“Protection of civilians is paramount and must be respected at all times. There is no justification for the extrajudicial killing of civilians. International human rights law sets down clear rules, and all parties must abide by it,” he added.
Maj.Gen.Lul Ruai Koang spokesman of SSPDF, when contacted denied that a militia affiliated to them was involved in the clashes.
On Thursday, men in military uniform raided Wonduruba Administrative Payam, killing at least ten civilians, according to a statement by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO).
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO claims that the clashes pitied a government-affiliated militia led by Gen. Kenyi Abdu, also known as Kenyi Warrior, and the National Salvation United Forces (NSUF) under Gen. Kenyi Loburon in Logoko Boma, near Wonduruba town.
The attack occurred during the tour of several counties in the State by Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo, the Governor of Central Equatoria State.
However, Koang said their soldiers were ambushed north of Wundoruba on the 9 October 2024.
“Our forces were ambushed by NAS, we lost 6 soldiers, and other six were wounded, we do not have militias that are loyal to us,” he said.
