Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has called for an independent commission to investigate the Nasir conflict and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for human rights violations.
According to a statement extended to the media, Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), expressed concern over a series of videos surfacing on social media showing alleged human rights violations.
He stated that after the government’s capture of Nasir town, videos depicting alleged mass killings, with human remains visible on the ground, emerged.
“We hope that a truly independent investigation will be commissioned to examine the situation in Nasir, and those responsible must be held accountable. The investigation should cover all incidents from the beginning until now,” Yakani said.
“What atrocities were committed, and who is behind them? Those responsible must be held accountable because this is crucial for implementing our peace agreements,” he added.
Yakani reiterated that such killings constitute human rights violations, emphasizing the urgent need for an investigation and accountability.
“The situation in Nasir, from the initial incidents until now, indicates ongoing human rights violations committed by the warring parties. Justice and accountability are imperative,” Yakani stated.
The activist underscored the importance of ensuring that impunity does not persist.
“We cannot stand idly by and allow impunity to prevail. Crimes have been committed, human rights have been violated, and accountability is essential,” he stressed.
Yakani asserted that a thorough investigation into the Nasir conflict would demonstrate a genuine commitment to implementing the peace agreement.
“There must be justice and accountability. All perpetrators of these incidents must be held responsible,” he added.
Recently, the United Nations issued an urgent alert regarding the safety of civilians in South Sudan, following armed clashes and aerial bombardments that have resulted in over 180 deaths, 250 injuries, and the displacement of an estimated 125,000 people in March.
The UN expressed grave concern over the rapidly escalating violence and reiterated its call for the protection of civilians and immediate, unhindered access to life-saving humanitarian aid.
During a visit to Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, urged conflicting parties to refrain from harming civilians.
“Since March 2025, armed clashes and aerial bombardments have claimed more than 180 lives, injured over 250 individuals, and displaced approximately 125,000 people,” the UN stated.
Four humanitarian workers have lost their lives, with at least six health institutions run by the organizations closed due to violence characterized by looting and destruction.
“As recently as yesterday, services at Ulang Hospital — a vital healthcare facility serving 174,000 people — were suspended following extensive looting of several medical centers in the area,” the UN lamented.
“Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, and critical medical supplies are rapidly depleting amid an ongoing cholera outbreak that has already claimed 919 lives and infected nearly 49,000 people in South Sudan,” it added.
