In a bold and emotionally charged address, Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the civil society organization CEPO, has issued a final warning to powerful elites in Western Equatoria over their alleged involvement in the ongoing ethnic violence in Tombura and surrounding counties.
Yakani announced that from September 12 to International Peace Day on September 21, 2025, CEPO will begin publishing the names of individuals believed to be responsible for fueling the brutal atrocities.
The activist accused high-ranking military officers from both the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLA-IO, prominent businesspeople, diaspora influencers, politicians, youth and women leaders, and religious figures of aiding, executing, or turning a blind eye to the violence.
“The killings are no longer isolated incidents,” Yakani said. “People are being hacked to death with machetes. Entire families are wiped out. Corpses are burned to destroy evidence. Women are raped. Children are abducted. It’s a coordinated campaign of ethnic cleansing.”
He particularly noted that communities such as the Balanda are being targeted in what he described as a deliberate attempt to destroy social harmony along the Zande-Balanda lines.
“We have seen individuals who champion ethnic cleansing in the Zande line against Balanda,” he stated. “And we have seen individuals use these acts for political gain because they wanted to gain political influence.”
Despite efforts by the state governor to restore calm, Yakani criticized some local elites for undermining peace initiatives to pursue personal ambitions.
“Whether you’re a general, a businessman, a diaspora activist, or a community leader – if you are part of this violence, we will name you,” he declared. “We are not afraid. If we must die speaking truth to power to bring peace to Tombura, then we are ready.”
He urged all those involved to immediately take steps to de-escalate the violence and end their involvement in the bloodshed.
“This is our final alert. The time for silence is over. We are tired. The people of Western Equatoria deserve peace, justice, and accountability.”
