June 6, 2021 — The South Sudan’s Equatoria People Alliance (EPA) has condemned the recent killing of the Gumbiri Parish Priest, Rev. Cosmas Kwaje Matayo by armed group that are alleged to be members of the South Sudan Army, SSPDF.
“Equatoria Peoples’ Alliance (EPA) is deeply outraged beyond expression by the South Sudan Peoples’ Defense Force (SSPDF) latest atrocities and gross violation of Human Rights against innocent civilians in Equatoria at Lainya.” Reads part of the press release extended to Nyamilepedia by the EPA.
The Most Rev Dr. Paul Benjamin Yugusuk, the Archbishop of Central Equatoria Internal Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Lainya, issued a statement on June 1st, 2021 accusing the SSPDF of executing four innocent civilians, including a 10-year old Sunday school boy Simon Taban Elekima, Gumbiri Parish Priest, Rev Kosmas Kwaje Matayo, a Church elder and area Sub-Chief, Mr. Moses Wani Daniel, and a headman, Mr. Benjamin Laki Jibidayo.
According to the EPA, the SSPDF Commander in Chief is personally responsible and accountable for these egregious genocidal crimes against innocent civilians and clergy.
“We condemn this latest massacre of innocent civilians in Equatoria in the most strongest of terms and hold President Salva Kiir, SSPDF Commander in Chief, personally responsible and accountable for these egregious genocidal crimes against innocent civilians and clergy.” The EPA statement stated.
The EPA calls for President Salva Kiir to be indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“The EPA calls for his [President] indictment with crimes against humanity and systemic commission of genocide against innocent civilians in Equatoria by those in the chain of command acting under his orders to SSPDF.” EPA says.
The EPA believes that the peace agreement is not functioning and therefore TROIKA, IGAD and AU should withdraw their supports.
“The failed R-TGONU under President Salva Kiir is without legitimacy, the sooner that the TOIKA, AU and IGAD take punitive action or measures to withdraw recognition and support for this murderous SPLM regime in Juba, the more likely it is to salvage the country from free-fall and descent into a total messy disintegration.”EPA stated.
“By admission of the signatory parties, R-ARCSS has failed in letter and spirit, the people now demand for a new democratic dispensation in the country without SPLM in charge, to rebuild the country’s broken social fabric through a people-driven permanent constitution making process.” They continued.
