The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Mr. Edmund Yakani, has strongly condemned what he described as deliberate interference by elements linked to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) in the Protection of Civilians (POC) site in Bentiu, Unity State.
He warned that the actions may constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity.
In a statement, Yakani said CEPO is deeply concerned by recent incidents inside the Bentiu POC site, where civilians seeking safety and protection were allegedly instigated and divided along political and military lines.
He accused certain politicians and senior military figures from the warring parties of attempting to politicize and militarize the POC site for partisan interests.
“The Protection of Civilians sites are meant to provide safety for vulnerable populations, not to serve as extensions of military or political confrontation,” Yakani said.
“What took place in Bentiu is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and an act that may amount to crimes against humanity.”
Yakani warned that CEPO is actively documenting the incidents, including the identities of individuals alleged to be instigating violence and division within the POC site.
He stressed that accountability will be pursued and that those responsible wills not escape justice.
“We know the names, the networks, and the contacts being used inside the POC to fuel violence,” he said. “These crimes are being documented, and one day those responsible both politicians and their agents, will face the court of law.”
Addressing civilians residing in the Bentiu POC, Yakani urged them not to allow themselves to be manipulated into supporting either SSPDF or SPLA-IO within the site.
He warned that transferring military confrontation into a civilian protection space places innocent lives at risk and undermines the very purpose of the POC.
“To our brothers and sisters in the Bentiu POC, you are there for protection, not to fight political or military battles,” Yakani said.
“Do not allow yourselves to be used by politicians who survive in power through the blood and suffering of citizens.”
Yakani further accused political leaders of exploiting civilian suffering as a means to retain or claim power, arguing that continued violence reflects a failure to honor commitments made under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS).
He questioned why leaders who claim to represent the people continue to undermine the agreement instead of fully implementing it for the benefit of citizens.
“If these leaders were genuine, they would implement the peace agreement they signed,” Yakani said. “Escaping the agreement is a clear declaration of war against the civilian population.”
CEPO also recalled that similar incidents in other POC sites across the country had previously been documented and led to accountability measures, stressing that Bentiu would be no exception.
Yakani reiterated his call on all warring parties to immediately halt the politicization and militarization of POC sites in Bentiu and elsewhere.
He concluded by urging political and military leaders to abandon military solutions and instead recommit to inclusive political dialogue among the rightful signatories to the 2018 peace agreement.
“Put down the guns and return to the negotiating table,” Yakani said. “The protection of civilians must remain neutral, civilian, and free from political and military interference. The future of South Sudan depends on choosing peace over violence.”
