Kiir orders investigation into Kajo-Keji county killings
February 8, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has condemned the recent attack in Kajo-Keji county of Central Equatoria State, ordering that investigations be carried out and the perpetrators brought to book.
Last week, an attack blamed on armed pastoralists from Jonglei State claimed the lives of at least 27 civilians and left several others wounded.
At least 2,000 people, mainly women and children, have reportedly become internally displaced, including up to 30 unaccompanied children.
President Kiir, in a statement, said there was “no justification” for the attack.
“There is no justifiable explanation for this uncalled violence at the time when the leaders of the two communities have initiated processes of returning cattle to their areas of origin,” partly reads the statement.
“It is on this basis that I strongly condemn the actions of the perpetrators of these crimes and urgently direct the law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate what took place in Kajo-Keji,” it added.
According to the South Sudanese leader, the instigators and perpetrators of these heinous crimes accountable for their actions on innocent people.
He stressed that he was deeply saddened by the incident and that it was unfortunate that it happened when the country needed peace the most.
“It came when at a time when the entire world was watching our preparations for welcoming Pope Francis and the other two prominent religious Christian leaders for a historic ecumenical pilgrimage of peace to our country,” further explained Kiir.
The South Sudanese leader sent a message of condolence to the grieving families and called on them to leave these matters for authorities to handle.
The incident was drew concerns from the embassies of Norway, United Kingdom and United States with calls for holding perpetrators accountable.
On Monday, the United Nations mission in the country (UNMISS) said it was shocked to receive reports of the deadly violence that claimed 27 lives and injured dozens.
It urged leaders to encourage restraint and avoid fueling any further conflict.
Meanwhile, the police and military commanders in Kajo-Keji received South Sudan’s Vice President James Wani Igga and his team from Juba. The visit followed the arrival of Central Equatoria State governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony to the area.
(ST)