![CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani speaking during a press conference in an undated photo. [Photo by Radio Tamazuj]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/58efac4d389cc.jpeg?ssl=1)
Several eyewitnesses confirmed to Sudans Post on Friday that the killing occurred when a drunk SSPDF soldier was found hanging dead in a tree by seven of his colleagues who then went to villagers to round up three young men before shooting them dead.
The three are identified as 18-year-old Yamba Lomimsuk, 16-year-old Justin Lisok Lomimsuk and 38-year-old Taban Yigo Wani.
In a statement this afternoon, the CEPO condemned the killing and urged authorities and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces command to bring to justice the soldiers responsible for the gruesome death of the three young men.
“Community Empowerment for Progress Organization in strong terms condemned the unacceptable act of the SSPDF in murdering the three male-civilians. The SSPDF soldiers that were involved in murdering the 3-male-civilians in Kajo-keji should be hold accountable immediately,” the CEPO statement reads in part.
Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of CEPO, said the killing is a disturbing development and reduce the trust that the civil population have on their army and will likely affect the return of refugees to the areas of their origin in the country.
“This incident of SSPDF soldiers murdering civilians in Kajo-Keji is totally disturbing and it makes civilians easily lost trust and confidence on SSPDF as their protector. The act of SSPDF soldiers abusing civilians really is making the interest of IDPs and Refugees returning to home dropping,” Yakani said.
“The country leadership at various capacities are urging IDPs and Refugee to return home but this of act SSPDF soldiers being harass, intimidating and murdering civilian’s population is discouraging the IDPs and Refugees to return home,” the prominent activist added.
