By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Executive Director of Community Empowerment Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, has accused politicians and security officers at the National, state, and county levels across the country of fueling conflict within the Greater Equatoria region, Jonglei, and Upper Nile states.
Yakani stated that some military officers and a segment of state governors are exploiting their positions to obstruct amicable solutions to inter-communal tensions.
He warned that if these politicians do not cease their self-serving actions aimed at maintaining power through conflict, he will publicly reveal the names of those instigating violence.
“Even if it means risking our lives by naming those who are fueling violence, obstructing peace efforts, or deliberately creating instability, we will do so,” Yakani declared.
“The deadly communal violence plaguing our communities is often politically motivated by politicians holding positions of power. We are weary of their actions that exacerbate tensions and impede the resolution of disputes among our communities.”
Yakani’s statement follows recent cycles of violence, including clashes in Magwai County of Eastern Equatoria State, intercommunal conflict in Tombura County of Western Equatoria State, and the recent clashes involving organized forces in Nasir County of Upper Nile State.
He expressed deep concern that the ongoing cattle conflicts in Eastern Equatoria State could disrupt the normal flow of traffic and commerce along the Juba-Nimule Highway.
Furthermore, Yakani accused some top government officials of using their positions to maintain power by fueling violence among communities. He alleged that these officials supply arms to their preferred factions while simultaneously obstructing community-led peace initiatives.
He also questioned the unity and discipline of the soldiers involved in the clashes in Upper Nile State, wondering why they were undermining the unification process.
“Politicians who thrive on the bloodshed of our people must understand that this is no longer acceptable,” Yakani emphasized. “We are not making idle threats.”
The CEPO Executive Director urged the Presidency to convene an urgent meeting to address the escalating violence and demanded a thorough investigation into the incidents, holding those found guilty accountable.
Yakani emphasized that the ongoing violence in Western Equatoria State, particularly in Tombura County, is being fueled by specific politicians.
“We possess evidence and will publicly name those individuals who are instigating these conflicts,” he stated, implying that these politicians are shielded from accountability due to their connections within the government.
“We know that our security institutions are aware of these individuals,” Yakani concluded. “The time has come to hold them accountable for the suffering they are inflicting upon the people of South Sudan.”