SSPDF regrets civilian killings in Ayod, vows to punish perpetrators
2026-03-04 - 11:07
The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) says it regrets the killing of civilians in Ayod County, Jonglei State, by elements within the national army. The remarks come days after the Jonglei State government said elements within the SSPDF killed 16 civilians, including eight children and five women, last month in Pankor village, Pajek Payam, Ayod County. Speaking to Eye Radio on Wednesday, SSPDF Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang said the army leadership has acknowledged the serious offense and confirmed that two unnamed officers and several non-commissioned officers have been detained in connection with the killings. General Koang said the detainees are currently being held in Ayod County and will be brought to Juba to face charges in the army’s general court martial. “We also regret the loss of life attributed to some elements within the force. Because we do not condone such actions, we took immediate measures: first, the suspects were arrested; second, they will face justice with charges filed against them,” General Koang said. “Sentences will be determined based on their level of involvement in the crimes, with the general court martial determining the burden of guilt,” he added. The attack, which occurred on February 21, has triggered widespread condemnation, including from Western embassies in Juba, civil society, and religious groups. General Koang said the circumstances under which the civilians were killed remain unclear. He added that those involved will be punished severely using legal instruments within the army to serve as a deterrent to anyone who abuses their mandate. “This is a legal matter. Charges will be filed against them, specifically for murder, which is a serious offense. The circumstances under which civilians were killed and others wounded will be examined by the general court martial that will be established,” he said. “We will rely on the SPLA Act 2008, as amended, and the Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan. These legal instruments provide guidance for punishing those accused of committing crimes,” he stated.