By Nakwam Rose
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has urgently called for a thorough investigation into alleged widespread human rights violations in Nasir.
His demand follows the circulation of disturbing images and videos online purportedly depicting the aftermath of the government’s recapture of the town.
Yakani referred to a video circulating online as “horrific images” of what appeared to be displaced and massacred human remains.
He insisted that the government must launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the situation, asserting that warring parties are likely responsible for severe human rights violations requiring immediate justice.
“We have seen in the video horrific images of gross human rights violations,” Yakani stated. “We see remnants of human beings that indicate intense violence, some appearing to have been massacred. As a civil society and human rights activist, we call for a truly thorough investigation into the situation in Nasir, from the initial incident until now.”
Yakani emphasized that the government cannot ignore the alleged atrocities in Nasir and must ensure accountability for any crimes committed.
He urged an immediate investigation to address the injustice inflicted upon the people of Nasir.
He pledged CEPO’s commitment to collaborating with the United Nations Human Rights Commission for South Sudan (UNHRC) to facilitate an effective on-the-ground investigation.
“We cannot stand by while impunity prevails, feeling that no one is held accountable for these crimes and human rights violations,” Yakani asserted. “Therefore, I appeal for a citizen-led investigation into the situation in Nasir.
Additionally, I urge the United Nations Human Rights Commission for South Sudan to be granted full access for an on-the-ground investigation.”
The activist called for the trial of all individuals responsible for the alleged “massacre” in Nasir, emphasizing that they must be held accountable for their actions under Chapter Five of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
“What atrocities were committed, and who is behind them? These individuals must be held accountable because we are in the phase of implementing the R-ARCSS, where Chapter Five, concerning transitional justice and accountability – including the Hybrid Court – is nearing operationalization. All those involved in these incidents will be held accountable,” Yakani affirmed.
“As civil society, we are not passive observers. We will engage in documentation, but we strongly hope that a thorough and independent investigation will be commissioned into the situation in Nasir. The orchestrators of this situation must be held accountable, and this investigation should cover the period from the initial incidents until the present,” he added.
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces announced on Monday that it recaptured Nasir town from the white army after intense fighting.