By James Chatim

Civil society activist and Executive Director of rights group Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani has raised concern over violence and devastating situation in Western Equatoria State, blaming several groups for fueling the atrocities in the area.

Yakani said the individuals include high-ranking military commanders from both the national and opposition armies, successful business leaders and some influential people in the diaspora.

 In a statement to The City Review, the activist said he will expose the groups if they persist in fueling deadly activities in the State.

“I would like to convey a serious note, a message to elites in Western Equatoria State and in particular in the side of Tambura County. This message is going to several people. Some of them are high-ranking military commanders in both South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and SPLA-IO. Some of them are business community of Western Equatoria State. Some of them are individuals who are influential in diaspora, some of the youth leaders from different communities, specifically around Tambura, Ezo, Nigero, where we are witnessing atrocities as well as women leaders and faith-based leaders,” he said.

“We are going to call your names out as individuals that have been contributing to these deadly atrocities witnessed for some months in the State. We have seen serious atrocities, including extrajudicial killings, rape, kidnapping and murder of faith-based leaders. These are all atrocities that happen in Tambura County and some counties neighboring Tambura. These actions are not committed by anybody. These actions are fueled by some individuals,” he added.

Western Equatoria State has experienced escalating violence, displacement, and a humanitarian crisis in the past months.

On July 24, 2025, it was reported that at least 17 people were killed and thousands displaced after clashes between government forces and an armed group in Tambura town, Zangia, and Sinakpuro.

Tambura County authorities revealed that government forces recovered 12 AKM rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), and a box of PKM ammunition during the operation undertaken by forces from the SSPDF’s 6th Division in Maridi.

Non-governmental organizations in the area say violence has worsened the humanitarian crisis, forcing thousands to flee amid ongoing insecurity.

According to humanitarian organizations,11 displacement camps had been set up, with 10 housing 249 households. Mopoi Payam shelters more than 2,000 displaced families, while Source Yubu camp holds at least 108 households.