By Matik Kueth
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–In Opposition (SPLM-IO) has condemned the killing of dozens of civilians in Jebel Iraq, Central Equatoria State, describing the incident as both “barbaric and unacceptable” and warned that it reflects a troubling pattern of violence in frontline areas.
In a statement extended to King Media on Monday, Puok Both Baluang, Acting Press Secretary in the Office of First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, said approximately 70 civilians were killed in what he termed a massacre, raising alarm over the continued vulnerability of non-combatants in conflict-affected regions.
“The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army–In Opposition (SPLM/A IO) unequivocally condemns the barbaric and unacceptable killing of approximately seventy (70) civilians in Jebel Iraq, Central Equatoria State,” Baluang said.
He alleged that the killings were not incidental but part of a broader trend.
“The recent massacre in Jebel Iraq was, regrettably, foreseeable. It aligns with the documented policy of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces of carrying out pre-planned attacks against civilians residing near the front lines,” he stated.
According to the statement, Jebel Iraq lies within an area under the “exclusive control” of the SSPDF, a claim the opposition used to attribute full responsibility for the killings to government forces.
“Jebel Iraq lies within a zone that is entirely under the exclusive control of the SSPDF. Consequently, full responsibility for the massacre rests with the SSPDF forces that control the area,” the statement added.
The group linked the incident to a similar attack earlier this year in Pankor village of Ayod County, Jonglei State, where at least 25 civilians were reportedly killed on February 21, 2026, reinforcing its claims of a recurring pattern.
It further called for independent investigations, urging the United Nations Human Rights Commission for South Sudan, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure accountability.
Beyond Central Equatoria, the SPLM-IO also pushed for wider probes into alleged violations in Jonglei, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Upper Nile states, citing persistent reports of abuses against civilians.
However, when contacted by King Media, SSPDF spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang denied the allegations, stating that the army chief was aware of the incident and that a fact-finding team was dispatched to the area.
“Now, there is no information, but they have sent an officer to the place to get first-hand information because the place is very far,” he said.
The incident adds to mounting concerns over civilian protection in South Sudan, as pressure grows on all armed actors to adhere to international humanitarian law and prevent further loss of innocent lives.