The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army–In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) has condemned the killing of civilians in Jebel Iraq, Central Equatoria State, describing the incident as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
In a statement issued on Monday, the opposition group said approximately 70 civilians were killed in what it termed a “massacre,” raising fresh concerns over the safety of non-combatants in conflict-affected areas.
SPLM/A-IO alleged that the attack was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence against civilians.
The group linked the killings in Jebel Iraq to what it described as a “documented policy” by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) of conducting pre-planned attacks on communities living near frontlines.
According to the statement, similar incidents have occurred in recent months, including the February 21, 2026 attack in Pankor village, Ayod County, Jonglei State, where at least 25 civilians were reportedly killed.
The opposition further claimed that Jebel Iraq lies within an area under the “exclusive control” of the SSPDF, and therefore placed full responsibility for the killings on government forces.
“We unequivocally condemn the barbaric and unacceptable killing of civilians,” the statement read, adding that the tragedy was “regrettably foreseeable.”
SPLM/A-IO extended condolences to the families of those killed and expressed sympathy for the injured, wishing them a swift recovery.
The group also called for immediate and independent investigations into the incident, urging the United Nations Human Rights Commission on South Sudan, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
Beyond Central Equatoria, the opposition called for broader probes into alleged violations in Jonglei, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Upper Nile states, citing concerns over continued reports of abuses against civilians.
Reaffirming its stance, SPLM/A-IO said it remains committed to the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights standards, emphasizing that its forces are “disciplined” and operate within those frameworks.
However, by the time of publication, government authorities and SSPDF officials had yet to respond to the allegations or issue an official statement regarding the incident.
The statement was issued by Cde. Puok Both Baluang, Acting Press Secretary in the Office of the suspended First Vice President Dr. Machar.
The incident adds to growing tensions and renewed scrutiny over the conduct of armed actors in South Sudan, as calls intensify for accountability and protection of civilians in conflict-affected regions.
