AU strongly condemns killing of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan
January 19, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA) – The African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat has strongly condemned the brutal killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s Al Jazirah State, urging authorities to fully investigate the incident and bring perpetrators to justice.
Last week, social media showed videos of South Sudanese killed in Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jazirah State, sparking protests in South Sudan’s capital, Juba and other parts of the country.
The gruesome killings came after the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) took control of Wad Medani from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Saturday.
The AUC chairperson, in a statement issued on Sunday, called on authorities in Sudan to ensure the heinous crime is fully investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.
The Chairperson conveyed his sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the Government and people of South Sudan, while urging for restraint or any acts that could lead to further violence.
“The Chairperson reiterates the African Union’s call for all relevant actors to urgently continue to work with the AU towards a peaceful resolution of the intolerable conflict in Sudan”, he said.
While addressing the nation on Friday, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir condemned what he described as an inhumane act on South Sudanese civilians, urging investigations into the incident.
“These inhuman barbaric killings of innocent South Sudanese civilians allegedly committed by the Sudanese armed forces ignite difficult, sad, and emotional memories. These heinous acts are unacceptable and are truly comparable to terrorism in character,” he said.
Kiir urged the Sudanese government to ensure that those responsible for the killings face justice.
“I therefore urge all South Sudanese citizens to remain calm and refrain from retaliation,” he said.
Kiir said he directed the Foreign Affairs ministry to seek an explanation from the Sudanese embassy in Juba.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demands for an immediate and thorough investigation into the killing of defenseless civilians, participation of international human rights organizations, and for the Sudanese government to ensure transparency in such investigations,” he stressed.
(ST)