Prime bishop condemns Wonduruba killings, says locals ‘residing in concern’ of SSPDF – Sudans Post

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 no less than 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 feedback throughout an unique interview with Sudans Post on Tuesday in Juba, stated native civilians are actually residing in fixed concern of the SSPDF, calling on the federal government to behave swiftly and maintain the perpetrators accountable.

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

The combating between the 2 factions resulted within the killing of no less than 9 troopers from the SSPDF-aligned forces of Kenyi Warrior and an unknown variety of troopers from the NSUF rebels. Multiple civilian sources in Wonduruba instructed Sudans Post on the time that 9 civilians had been initially killed, and a number of other others, between 17 and 20, wounded.

The loss of life toll amongst civilians, Sudans Post realized later, would later rise to twenty. Last week, three civilians from one household had been killed by SSPDF troopers, in keeping with Bishop Yugusuk who recounted the horrifying occasions.

“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 stated. “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 loss of life toll of civilians within the space has continued to rise. Initially reported at 9, the bishop confirmed that the variety of casualties had reached 23, together with ten killed in Wonduruba, ten in Kolipapa, and three extra simply days in the past.

“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 defined.

Local residents, deeply traumatized by the violence, have fled their houses in concern.

“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 stated. “Even as some people tried to resume their daily lives, shops remain closed, and the streets are empty.”

The bishop has known as for an instantaneous investigation into the killings and demanded that the federal government take motion in opposition to 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 stated.

In an effort to handle the insecurity, the church has been actively partaking with native chiefs and group 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 famous.

Despite the church’s efforts to mediate peace, the continuing violence has left the area in a state of deep concern and distrust.

“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 fashioned an investigative committee to look into the killings and the continuing insecurity.

However, the bishop urged the federal government to behave shortly, warning that eyewitnesses and survivors are in hiding and could also be tough to find if there may be additional 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.”