The ongoing armed conflict in South Sudan has led to grave human rights violations, with civilians enduring widespread atrocities as warring factions continue to commit shocking acts, including the humiliation and burning of deceased opponents.
Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, has described the scene a “clear evidence of the erosion of human dignity,” which represents broader instances witnessed across the nascent country in recent days.
Voicing concern over the escalating crisis, the activist warns, “The deepening political and ethnic divisions among the conflicting parties are laying the foundation for genocide and crimes against humanity. If left unchecked, the consequences will be devastating.”
Adding, “Communities witnessing these violations are increasingly documenting them, ensuring that perpetrators will one day face justice and accountability.”
The activist’s alarm is a wake-up call for leaders of the conflicting parties to take responsibility for instilling discipline among their forces and enforcing respect for human rights. Evidence emerging from multiple frontlines reveals an alarming breakdown of social cohesion among South Sudanese communities, further fueling instability. Yakani emphasized,
“The scale of human rights violations is growing every day, and the lack of accountability only emboldens those committing atrocities. Justice must prevail,” Yakani stated.
The scars of these violations will take decades to heal, with families and communities struggling to recover. The spread of trauma among South Sudanese, both direct and indirect witnesses of human rights abuses, continues to rise.
Morobo County of Central Equatoria State, one of the areas that experienced the latest violence, is in dire humanitarian support. Most of the affected are women, children, and elderly people.
“I appeal to South Sudanese of goodwill to join CEPO in its campaign to assist affected communities. We are calling for donations of second-hand clothes, utensils, and other essential supplies. Those willing to volunteer medical services are also encouraged to reach out to us.”
CEPO urges all witnesses of these crimes to document every incident thoroughly, ensuring that justice prevails and accountability is upheld in the future.
