Civil society groups condemn mass killing in Abiemnom, demand Justice and national mourning
By Riak Chol
A coalition of South Sudanese civil society organizations has strongly condemned what it described as a “cold-blooded massacre” that left nearly 200 people dead in Abiemnom County of the Ruweng Administrative Area, calling for immediate government action, accountability, and a nationwide period of mourning.
In a joint statement issued Tuesday, networks representing civil society groups from the country’s ten states and three administrative areas expressed outrage over the March 1 attack, saying the violence has plunged the region into grief and heightened fears of further escalation.
According to the statement, close to 200 civilians, including nine members of the organized forces, were killed in the assault.
The groups described the scale of destruction as devastating, with hundreds of homes burned and entire communities displaced.
At least 23 injured civilians were evacuated to Turalei in Warrap State for medical treatment, while more than 100 others were transferred to Rumamer County.
More than 1,000 residents have reportedly fled their homes in search of safety. Many displaced families sought refuge at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) compound in Ruweng, while others escaped to the Abyei Administrative Area and neighboring Warrap State.
The civil society groups alleged that armed elements responsible for the attack entered Abiemnom from neighboring Unity State, raising concerns about growing tensions along administrative boundaries.
While acknowledging that the national government had condemned the incident, the coalition stressed that concrete action must follow.
“We are very appalled and would like to humbly offer our deepest condolences to the bereaving families for this heartless attack,” the statement read.
The coalition called for an immediate and transparent investigation to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
It also urged the urgent deployment of security forces to deter further violence between the Abyei Administrative Area and its neighbors.
The group called for a declaration of a nationwide period of mourning for the victims, and a rapid humanitarian assessment to provide relief to displaced and injured civilians.
The statement was jointly endorsed by civil society networks from across the country.