15 civilians executed as SSPDF and SPLA-IO continue to commit atrocities
On the run from tyranny inflicted on them by the joint forces of Kiir’s SSPDF and Machar’s SPLA-IO in Central Equatoria, civilians continue to find themselves targets of systematic killings, looting, burning of huts, physical harassment and torture.
“On 31st May 2020, the SPLA IO force under the joint command of Maj. Gen. John Mabiah and Maj. Gen. Moses Lokujo carried out summary execution of fifteen (15) innocent civilians in the villages of Loguni, Panyume Payam, Morobo County in Central Equatoria State,” read a press statement issued today by the spokesman of the National Salvation Front (NAS) Mr Suba Samuel.
“On 29th May 2020, a combined force of SSPDF and SPLA-IO followed the civilians who escaped to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for safety. They attacked and tortured the civilians in addition to looting their properties,” the statement added.
This is not the first time civilians have been on the receiving end of SSPDF’s and SPLA-IO’s reign of terror. A failed joint offensives by the duo against NAS went on to commit atrocities against civilians including and not limited to summary executions, looting, burning of huts, physical harassment, torture and rape. Recently SPLA-IO forces under the orders of Maj. Gen. Moses Lokujo were allegedly behind the mysterious disappears (and execution) of three senior SPLA-IO officers in what appears to be a power rivalry within their ranks.
“The Leadership of NAS condemns in strongest terms possible these heinous crimes committed by the SPLA IO and SSPDF forces against civilians. NAS holds the Leadership of SPLM/A-IO and the government responsible for these crimes perpetrated against civilians.
“The Leadership of NAS reassures the people of South Sudan that it will continue to uphold its obligation and mandate to protect the lives and the properties of the civilians and sends its sincere condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the victims,” concluded the statement.