The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, has strongly condemned the recent killing of a Catholic Church leader in Tombura County, Western Equatoria State.
In a statement extended to Standard Zone News, Yakani described the killing as a criminal act and a gross violation of human rights.
“I would like to take this opportunity to strongly condemn the unfolding situation in Tombura County, where we have witnessed the targeted killing of a church leader, Mr. Tamania. He was murdered within the premises of St. Mary’s Parish of the Catholic Church, which also serves as an IDP camp. This is an unacceptable and criminal act, and a serious human rights violation,” Yakani said.
In a separate incident, Yakani also decried an attack on medical personnel at Tombura Hospital, warning that those behind the violence would be held accountable.
“We are documenting and investigating the attack thoroughly. If you are involved in these criminal acts and human rights violations in Tombura County, your identity will not remain hidden. One day, you will face justice,” he warned.
Yakani called on the leadership of Western Equatoria State to prioritize the protection of civil servants and to enhance security in the area. He urged the County Commissioner to file a formal request for police deployment to safeguard institutions and staff.
“If we can’t protect medical workers like those at Tombura Hospital, what are we doing? Are we not risking the lives of the sick who depend on their services?” he asked.
The killing of the church leader occurred on Friday at St. Mary’s Parish, which has served as a critical shelter for thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) over the past three years amid ongoing insecurity in the region.
