In a powerful and urgent address, Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), declared a pivotal moment in the organization’s campaign to expose those responsible for violence and instability in Tombura County, Western Equatoria State.
Speaking on what he called “D-Day,” Yakani announced CEPO’s intention to name individuals deemed spoilers of peaceful coexistence and perpetrators of deadly unrest. However, the naming, originally scheduled for Friday, has been postponed to allow for a deeper investigation into recent incidents that have shaken the region.
Yakani revealed that CEPO is currently investigating a disturbing escalation of violence, including the seizure of arms from UN peacekeepers, an act he condemned as a grave violation of international law and a direct attack on the protection of civilians.
He emphasized that such actions not only breach global norms but also undermine the very mission of peacekeeping in South Sudan.
CEPO has also documented attempts to incite ethnic confrontation, manipulate Tombura’s historical narrative for political gain, and spread misinformation and disinformation to fuel division and unrest.
The organization is particularly concerned about the mobilization of civilians to attack UN premises and the dissemination of fake news and hate speech targeting peace actors, including religious leaders and international personnel.
Yakani warned that these acts would be thoroughly investigated and that those responsible would be held accountable. He stressed that misinformation and disinformation are not just reckless, they are dangerous tools that can be traced, verified, and exposed.
In coordination with state authorities under Western Equatoria’s new leadership, CEPO is working to incorporate its findings into broader efforts to restore safety and stability in Tombura.
Yakani called on all actors, both within and outside the country, to refrain from using military strength or political influence to distort Tombura’s history or incite violence, urging politicians and community leaders to prioritize peace and reject the culture of bullying and manipulation that has plagued the region.
“Our pens have never been put down,” Yakani affirmed. “We continue to document, and we will name those who stand against peaceful coexistence.”
He reiterated CEPO’s commitment to protecting civilians and promoting unity, warning that those who seek to survive politically through violence are being watched and recorded.
As Tombura faces a critical juncture, CEPO’s message is clear: peace must be preserved, truth must be defended, and those who undermine both will be exposed. The public now awaits the rescheduled day when names will be revealed and accountability will begin.
