The CSOs condemned the violence, which has left a trail of casualties, properties destroyed, and entire communities in fear

By Emmanuel Mandella

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Western Equatoria State have raised an alarm over the deteriorating security situation, citing recent killings, looting, and military confrontations between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO).

In a statement obtained by The City Review, the CSOs condemned the violence, which has left a trail of casualties, properties destroyed, and entire communities in fear. They pointed to the recent March 17 armed attack on civilian vehicles, which resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to six people, as well as ongoing violence around Yambio Town.

“The killing or torture of innocent civilians by any armed group or regular government forces during military operations is uncalled for and violates universal military warfare norms,” the statement read, referencing Article 27 of the Geneva Convention (1949), which protects civilians from violence and intimidation.

The crisis, exacerbated by the February 10 removal of the former state governor, Alfred Futuyo, has seen waves of arson attacks and looting, prompting concerns over lawlessness. The organizations warned against any political confrontations taking an ethnic dimension, cautioning that it could fuel a deeper crisis.

The CSOs urged state authorities, national government, and peace partners to take swift action to restore peace, as well as immediate cessation of military confrontations and the use of dialogue through the Revitalized Peace Agreement mechanisms.

They also called for strict adherence to human rights protection by both SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO forces, and for community cooperation with security agencies to report criminals exploiting the fragile security situation.

Further, they called for possible imposition of night curfew in Yambio if targeted killings, arson, and robberies persist, with coordination between security forces and community leaders and full commitment to implementing the peace agreement, especially Chapter II, to pave the way for elections and long-term stability.

The civil society groups warned that failure to act decisively could push the region into deeper instability, making life unbearable for innocent civilians.

“We commend ongoing efforts to restore calm, but more needs to be done. The people of Western Equatoria deserve peace, security, and the right to live without fear,” the statement concluded.

As tensions persist, all eyes are now on the state and national governments to take concrete measures in response to the growing crisis. Will authorities rise to the occasion and prioritize civilian protection, or will Western Equatoria continue to spiral into chaos? The coming days will be crucial.

“We commend ongoing efforts to restore calm, but more needs to be done. The people of Western Equatoria deserve peace, security, and the right to live without fear,” the civil society organizations said in a statement.