CEPO’s Yakani condemns attack on civilians in Central Equatoria

JUBA – South Sudan’s civil society watchdog, the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has this evening condemned Thursday’s attack in which suspected cattle herders from Jonglei state killed at least six villagers in Mangala Payam of Central Equatoria state.

In a statement on December 16, the Central Equatoria state transitional parliament said herders from Jonglei launched attack on Mangala Payam killing at least six civilians and alleged that the attackers were aided by members of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

In a statement extended to Sudans Post this evening, CEPO condemned the attack and described it as unacceptable act of human rights violations and called on the government to carry out its duty of protecting civilians.

“CEPO strongly condemns the attack on civilians by cattle herders from Bor County of Jonglei State on residents of Mangala Payam on Thursday, December 15, 2022. This act of attack is unacceptable and the government must make sure to protect civilians,” the statement said.

“The violence against unarmed and defenseless civilians is becoming more and more complicated and I call on the leadership of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, the national army, to investigate the alleged involvement of its service-members in the attack against civilians,” the statement added.

Edmund Yakani, CEPO’s Executive Director, called on the national government and that of Central Equatoria state to form an investigation committee to identify and prosecute those involved directly or indirectly in the perpetuation of violence against civilians.

“Th leadership of Central Equatoria state and the national government should form an investigation committee to identify the profiteers and those perpetuating the violence directly or indirectly and bring them to the full accountability of law,” Yakani said.

“This deadly violence against civilians is totally undermining individual and community safety and security across the country. The political leadership of the country at national and state level should take primary responsibility of availing lasting solutions to this trend of violence,” Mr. Yakani stressed.