The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has condemned the deadly violence in Abiemnom County, describing the killings as a massacre and a crime against humanity involving grave violations of human rights.
Speaking for the organization, CEPO Executive Director Edmond Yekani said the attack claimed the lives of innocent civilians as well as senior county officials, including the Commissioner and the Executive Director of Abiemnom County.
“This is completely an act of human rights violation,” Yekani said, characterizing the incident as “a grave human rights violation, war crime, massacre, genocide, and crime against humanity.”
Yekani said CEPO has begun documenting the incident on the ground and has witnessed what he described as mass graves of civilians.
He warned that the violence reflects a dangerous political culture in which disputes are pursued through armed force rather than dialogue, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the cost.
“We have political leaders who want to resolve their crisis through the barrel of the gun,” he said.
Alongside the civil society condemnation, the government has also issued a strong statement denouncing the attack.
In a statement released by Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny, the government said it was “deeply disturbed by the barbaric attack on Abiemnom County,” which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The government confirmed the killing of the County Commissioner of Awarpiny and the Executive Director of Abiemnom County, and reported that more than 169 people were killed, with over 68 others wounded.
“The casualties include both civilians and members of law enforcement,” the statement said, adding that the figures remain subject to verification as recovery efforts continue.
Condemning the violence in strong terms, the government described the attack as a “heinous and cowardly act of violence against innocent citizens and public officials,” warning that such acts undermine peace, stability, and national reconciliation efforts.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and stand in solidarity with the people of Abiemnom County during this painful time,” the statement read.
The government said security organs have been directed to restore order, conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.
It also urged communities to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory actions as efforts continue to stabilize the area and protect civilians.
Yekani welcomed the call for accountability but insisted justice must be pursued without delay.
He urged armed actors, including the SPLA-IO and the SSPDF, to resolve their differences through dialogue, reiterating that what happened in Abiemnom was “a massacre, ethnic cleansing, and a targeted killing” that must not go unpunished.
