The Central Equatoria State Civil Society Network (CESCSN) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of a Senior Three student in Yei River County, calling the attack “ruthless” and a grave violation of fundamental human rights.
The victim, Emmanuel Kanjo Kennedy, popularly known as Kennedy, was a student at Immanuel Model Secondary School and a rising young football talent in Yei.
According to residents, he was attacked on Sunday night, 7 December, by unidentified armed individuals who allegedly stabbed him in the head and broke his neck, killing him instantly. Another man was left critically injured.
The killing has shaken the town, where at least two similar knife attacks targeting young men have been reported earlier in the month.
The pattern of violence has fueled fear among residents and renewed concerns over worsening insecurity inside Yei town.
In a statement issued Tuesday, CESCSN expressed “profound shock and deep sorrow,” describing the murder as a direct violation of the Transitional Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to life, dignity, and personal integrity.
The civil society network said the recurrence of such deadly attacks inside the town requires an urgent and coordinated response.
CESCSN called for an immediate, transparent, and impartial investigation to identify those responsible for Kennedy’s killing and bring them to justice.
The network emphasized that accountability is essential not only for the slain student but also for the injured survivor and their families.
“The safety and security of the people of Yei and their property remain the primary responsibility of the government and its security organs,” the statement read, urging state and national authorities to strengthen local security structures and increase visible patrols.
The group further warned that persistent insecurity marked by road ambushes on traders, abductions of humanitarian workers, and targeted killings threatens to disrupt festive season celebrations, delay the return of refugees and IDPs, and slow down economic recovery as the year ends.
Beyond pushing for justice, CESCSN appealed to communities across Central Equatoria to reject violence and uphold peaceful coexistence.
The network urged citizens to “denounce all forms of evil, embrace love for God/Allah, respect their neighbours, safeguard human life, and promote peace and harmony throughout this season and beyond.”
Kennedy’s death has sparked deep grief across Yei, where he was admired for his discipline, humility, and football talent.
Residents say he represented hope for his family and was an example of the potential within South Sudan’s youth.
As investigators begin their work, many in Yei are watching closely, hoping the latest killing will finally prompt swift government action and lead to justice and a safer community.
