South Sudan International Advocacy condemns attacks on Nasir and Wonduruba

October 27, 2024 — The South Sudan International Advocacy for Human Rights (SSIAHR) condemns the continuing attacks on civilians in Nasir Town, Upper Nile State, and Wonduruba Village, Central Equatoria State in the strongest terms possible.

Speaking to media, the president of South Sudan International Advocacy for Human Rights, Mr. Peter Gatkuoth Wadar Kuel, said the attacks have been continuing since October 11, 2024 and at least 27 civilians lost their lives. 

“the continuing attacks on civilians in Nasir Town, Upper Nile State and Wonduruba Village, Central Equatoria State which happened on October 11, 2024 resulted in ten civilians killed and October 16, 2024, resulted in seventeen (17) losses of lives” Said Peter Gatkuoth Wadar Kuel, SSIAHR President.

Mr. Gatkuoth said despite the signing of the Revitalized Agreement for Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the conflict in Nasir continues between Nasir residents and the South Sudan People Defense Force (SSPDF). 

“The conflicts usually start when soldiers go to towns and villages, instigating conflicts with residents resulting in loss of lives from both sides, as SSPDF shells the civilians with heavy weapons.” Gatkuoth said adding that the scenario has repeated itself several times. 

“Now is the rainy season where resources are scarce, making the lives of the displaced even more miserable.  People are trying to rebuild their lives shattered by the war. ” He continued.

The residents blame the national army, SSPDF who are stationed in Nasir, gross violations of the peace agreement by attacking the civilians and committing human right violations. 

According to the human rights activist, the presence of the SSPDF in Nasir and their continuous attacks on the towns are not only an obstacle to peace implementation but has the potential of reigniting the conflicts in the country and beyond. 

“To stop loss of lives, displacement of civilians during the rainy season and to continue implementation of R-ARCSS, SSPDF must follow the rule of law.” Mr. Gatkuoth said.

“Unified Forces should be deployed as they are capable of carrying out their national duty of protecting civilians and their properties.” He added. 

 This year alone, the SSPDF are accused of having instigated the he following offensives in and around Nasir town:  

• “On February 10 – 12, 2024 SSPDF carried out an attack at a fishing site in Nasir which caused civilian deaths and evacuation of the town. 
• On July 03, 2024, SSPDF attacked civilians in Nasir town. 
• On August 14 – 15, 2024 SSPDF attacked the civilians in Nasir town. 
• On August 17, 2024, SSPDF attacked the civilian site at Dhuording Payam in Wechyual Village.  This attack killed two civilians.
• On October 16, 2024, unprovoked SSPDF attacked civilians in Nasir which caused the loss of innocent lives.”

The South Sudan International Advocacy for Human Rights (SSIAHR) is a non-profit non-governmental organization based in Washington, United States.