Top bishop condemns Wonduruba killings, says locals ‘living in fear’ of SSPDF

JUBA – The Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State Internal Province, Dr. Paul Benjamin Yugusuk, has condemned the killings of at least 23 civilians in Wonduruba, describing the violence as a gross human rights violation by South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

The bishop, who made the comments during an exclusive interview with Sudans Post on Tuesday in Juba, said local civilians are now living in constant fear of the SSPDF, calling on the government to act swiftly and hold the perpetrators accountable.

The civilian killings were preceded by deadly clashes that occurred in early October between forces loyal to Gen. Kennedy Kenyi Abdu, also known as Kenyi Warrior, who defected from the National Salvation Front (NAS) to join the SSPDF in June 2023, and forces of a splinter group known as the National Salvation United Front (NSUF) and led by John Kenyi Lotio.

The fighting between the two factions resulted in the killing of at least nine soldiers from the SSPDF-aligned forces of Kenyi Warrior and an unknown number of soldiers from the NSUF rebels. Multiple civilian sources in Wonduruba told Sudans Post at the time that nine civilians were initially killed, and several others, between 17 and 20, wounded.

The death toll among civilians, Sudans Post learned later, would later rise to 20. Last week, three civilians from one family were killed by SSPDF soldiers, according to Bishop Yugusuk who recounted the horrifying events.

“On the night of October 10, innocent civilians were removed from their homes one by one, tied up, and killed. Ten were massacred by the SSPDF ground forces stationed in Mungilin,” Yugusuk said. “These forces, who are more mobile, have been responsible for the killings in Wonduruba. They are the ones who cause havoc every time they engage with opposition forces.”

The death toll of civilians in the area has continued to rise. Initially reported at nine, the bishop confirmed that the number of casualties had reached 23, including ten killed in Wonduruba, ten in Kolipapa, and three more just days ago.

“The latest victims include Abraham Kaden, a local headman, his wife Esther, and their son Thomas Abraham, who were sexually assaulted and murdered,” the bishop explained.

Local residents, deeply traumatized by the violence, have fled their homes in fear.

“Many of the people in Gondoruba have run into the bushes or neighboring villages. Some, however, returned when they heard that religious leaders had arrived. They attended services, but the fear is palpable,” Yugusuk said. “Even as some people tried to resume their daily lives, shops remain closed, and the streets are empty.”

The bishop has called for an immediate investigation into the killings and demanded that the government take action against the perpetrators.

“We have asked the government to bring those responsible to justice. We also urge the government to remove the mobile forces that are causing havoc in Wonduruba and other areas,” Yugusuk said.

In an effort to address the insecurity, the church has been actively engaging with local chiefs and community leaders to facilitate reconciliation and peace talks.

“We are working with community leaders in Gondoruba and Juba to organize meetings that will bring together both government and rebel forces in search of an amicable solution,” the bishop noted.

Despite the church’s efforts to mediate peace, the ongoing violence has left the region in a state of deep fear and mistrust.

“The level of harassment and intimidation is high,” Yugusuk added. “People are afraid to leave their homes at night. There is no trust in the security forces, and there is a real sense of panic in the community.”

The Governor of Central Equatoria, Gen. Agustino Jadalla Wani, has formed an investigative committee to look into the killings and the ongoing insecurity.

However, the bishop urged the government to act quickly, warning that eyewitnesses and survivors are in hiding and may be difficult to locate if there is further delay.

“We need a swift response,” Yugusuk concluded. “The situation in Wonduruba is dire. People are living in constant fear, and we need immediate government intervention to restore security and bring those responsible to justice.”