Community leaders demand that leaders of the attacking communities, both in government positions and within the opposition faction of the peace agreement be held accountable

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Padang Community has strongly condemned the recent massacre of civilians in Abiemnom County, Ruweng Administrative Area, carried out on 1 March 2026 by armed youth groups linked to the Mayom White Army and forces under the SPLM-IO opposition forces.

In a statement, the Padang Community Union (PCU) described the attack as “senseless and barbaric,” noting that it targeted unarmed men, women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Preliminary reports indicate that over 205 civilians were killed during the assault, marking one of the deadliest incidents against the community in recent months.

“This insane massacre of civilians cannot be condoned in any form,” Dr. Ramadan Chan, Chairperson of the Padang Community Union, said. “Our people have suffered repeated attacks in Abiemnom, Adong Payam, Canal Town in Pigi County, and Akoka in Upper Nile State. The lack of accountability has fostered a climate of impunity, allowing these attacks to continue unabated.”

The Padang Community held leaders of the attacking communities, both in government positions and within the SPLM-IO faction of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, responsible for the tragedy. They emphasized that the actions of armed youth and their allies, including the White Army, cannot be separated from the accountability of those who control and command them.

Recommendations

The PCU called on the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, security agencies, and other concerned authorities to immediately take concrete steps to protect civilians, investigate the massacre, and provide humanitarian relief. Among the specific demands, the Union requested:

Immediate and sustainable protection of civilians in Abiemnom and other Padang areas, a full, independent, and transparent investigation into the Abiemnom attack to ensure that the perpetrators face justice.

Search and rescue operations for missing civilians who fled to nearby forests in fear of further attacks, recovery of looted property, including livestock and essential household items.

Deployment of government security forces to restore law and order and prevent additional attacks, urgent humanitarian assistance for affected families who have lost homes, livestock, and livelihoods, and replacement of the current leadership of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Greater Unity State with neutral and professional officers to restore public confidence and impartial protection for all communities.

In addition to these measures, the Padang Community urged President Salva Kiir Mayardit to consider the re-establishment of Ruweng, Central, and Northern Upper Nile States to guarantee sustainable peace and civilian protection.

“The government must act decisively to prevent further bloodshed and ensure that communities like Abiemnom can live safely,” Dr. Chan said. “The lives of our people cannot continue to be treated as expendable, and justice must be served immediately.”

The press release also extended condolences to the bereaved families, particularly those in the Alor Kur Kuot area, and wished quick recovery to those wounded during the attack. The Padang Community reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and constructive engagement with neighboring communities to foster long-term stability and coexistence.

Community leaders noted that repeated attacks by the White Army have caused massive humanitarian suffering, including displacement, loss of property, and trauma among survivors. “These attacks are not isolated incidents,” Dr. Chan said. “They are part of a pattern that has plagued the Padang community across Ruweng and other regions. Without swift intervention, more lives will be lost.”

The call for action comes amid growing concerns over the effectiveness of security forces in Greater Unity and surrounding areas, with multiple communities demanding a neutral, professional, and accountable security presence to curb further violence. Analysts have warned that continued impunity could escalate inter-communal tensions, undermining the fragile peace established under the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

As South Sudan continues its path toward stabilization, civil society groups and community unions like the Padang Community Union emphasize that accountability, protection of civilians, and equitable governance remain crucial to preventing similar atrocities in the future.

Utilities

“The government must act decisively to prevent further bloodshed and ensure that communities like Abiemnom can live safely,” said Dr. Ramadan Chan, Chairperson of the Padang Community Union.