South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, has condemned the recent violence between the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) and armed civilians in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
Yakani said in a statement on Sunday that the violence which left about 17 people killed including 13 soldiers since Wednesday is unacceptable at this moment when the parties are busy implementing the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
Heurged President Salva Kiir Mayardit to implement significant changes within the SSPDF force stationed in Nasir County.
“A solution to Nasir County’s problems requires a change of the SSPDF forces on the ground. I appeal, with due respect and honor, to our Chief of Staff of the army that there is a need to find a workable and durable solution to the ongoing regular confrontation between the SSPDF and our citizens in Nasir County, where we are losing lives,” Yakani said.
He emphasized that the SSPDF must take responsibility for ensuring the safety of civilians in Nasir and across the country.
“There should be no reason for our citizens to suffer at the hands of our own armed forces,” Yakani said.
Last week, violent clashes erupted between the SSPDF and civilians at a market in Nasir town, resulting in the deaths of 13 soldiers and 4 civilians. This incident has raised alarm bells within the community and among human rights advocates, prompting calls for accountability and transparency.
In response to the violence, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the spokesperson for the SSPDF, announced that a committee has been formed to conduct a thorough inquiry into the clashes.
“We need to form a joint investigation committee to know exactly what happened at the court and why the accused was attacked and killed instead of waiting for the outcome of the court verdict,” Koang said in an interview in Juba.
As the situation unfolds, the need for a coordinated effort to address the underlying issues and prevent further bloodshed in Nasir County remains critical.