A coalition of international diplomats, including representatives from the European Union, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has strongly condemned the recent massacre of civilians in Pankor Village, Ayod County.
The diplomats stated that the attack was reportedly carried out by forces linked to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), expressing grave concern over the surge in violence and calling for accountability for those responsible.
In a joint statement, the so-called Troika and partner embassies described the attack on 21 February as “deliberate and appalling” and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, alongside a return to inclusive and meaningful dialogue between all parties in South Sudan.
“The perpetrators of this massacre, and those fueling escalating violence, must be brought to justice regardless of status or political connections,” the statement read.
The massacre has intensified concerns over a surge of violence in Jonglei State, with diplomats urging the South Sudanese government to hold accountable those responsible and ensure civilian protection.
International actors also stressed that the safety of survivors and witnesses must be guaranteed, warning that continued attacks could undermine efforts toward sustainable peace and national reconciliation.
The statement underscores growing global scrutiny of SSPDF operations and signals that the international community is closely monitoring South Sudan’s handling of human rights violations.
