NAS urges UN rights bodies to investigate Nakeke killings in Kapoeta South
The National Salvation Front (NAS) has condemned the deployment of about 600 South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers to the Nakeke gold mining area of Kapoeta South, saying the 31 October operation killed civilians and left dozens of soldiers dead, wounded or unaccounted for, and calling on United Nations human rights mechanisms to open an independent investigation.
In a statement issued on Sunday 1 November 2026 by the Office of the Spokesperson at General Headquarters (Ref: NAS/OSM/05), NAS described the security situation in Kapoeta South as serious and worsening. The movement addressed the statement to the people of South Sudan, civil society organisations, religious leaders, faith-based organisations and the international community.
Reinforcements sent from Juba
NAS said the SSPDF force, estimated at 600 soldiers, was sent from Juba to Nakeke to carry out a reprisal attack against Toposa youth. According to the statement, the youth are defending their community’s gold resources from illegal exploitation.
The clashes reportedly left dozens of SSPDF soldiers killed, wounded or unaccounted for. Military vehicles were destroyed and heavy equipment was captured.
Civilian deaths reported
NAS said several civilians were also reported killed. It said some died in the crossfire, while others were allegedly targeted deliberately by the SSPDF.
NAS is deeply regretting the loss of civilians lives in Nakeke, under such barbaric and forceful approach
The movement argued that the operation was intended to coerce the Toposa people into giving up their community rights over the ownership of their collective natural resources.
Governor and Juba held responsible
NAS condemned in the strongest terms the decision by Governor Lobong and the Caretaker Government of Eastern Equatoria, acting in coordination with what it called the Kiir regime, to deploy the SSPDF against the Toposa people in Nakeke.
The statement held Governor Lobong, and those who sponsor and direct the operations from Juba, responsible for all killings, injuries, looting, and displacement suffered by the Toposa community.
NAS commended the Toposa youth for what it described as their resolve and discipline. It affirmed that natural resources belong to the people and must benefit them.
Appeal to UNMISS and rights bodies
NAS urged civil society, religious leaders and faith-based organisations to speak out and to call on the Governor and the Kiir regime to stop using force against their own citizens and to pursue dialogue.
It appealed to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to intervene urgently and take all necessary measures to protect civilians in the affected areas.
The movement also called on the international community, particularly UN human rights mechanisms on South Sudan, to open an independent investigation into what it termed alleged grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. It said those responsible must be held to account.
Church leaders also call for restraint
The Catholic Diocese of Torit separately condemned violence at the Nakeke mining site in a press release dated 28 October 2026 (Prot. No. 87/CDoT/26), signed by Bishop Emmanuel Bernardino Lowi Napeta. The release predates the 31 October operation described by NAS. It does not name the SSPDF or assign responsibility to any party.
The diocese said the violence had caused loss of life, injuries and heightened tensions. It called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged all sides to reject retaliation. It asked security forces and local youth to avoid provocation, and encouraged youth to return peacefully to their cattle camps.
The diocese also called on Karengak leaders to meet youth, women and elders to resolve grievances through dialogue. It recommended that mining companies operating in Kapoeta sign memoranda of understanding with local communities.
On accountability, the diocese called for impartial investigations and said responsibility should be established through lawful processes, without blaming or punishing an entire community. It did not say who should carry out the investigations. NAS, in its statement, asked for an independent investigation by UN human rights mechanisms.
The diocese said the Church remains committed to peace, dialogue and reconciliation. “Our communities deserve peace, and our young people deserve a future free from violence,” the release said.
NAS calls for restraint and protection of civilians
The NAS statement extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the wounded a speedy recovery. It reiterated the movement’s solidarity with the Toposa youth and the wider Toposa community.
allow transparent and accountable management of the country’s natural resources for the benefit of all South Sudanese
The statement, signed by Compatriot Suba Samuel Manase, Spokesperson for NAS, said the movement “remains committed to a peaceful and inclusive resolution of this crisis.” It called on all parties to exercise restraint and protect civilians.
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NAS condemns SSPDF attack on Toposa youth over gold mining in Kapoeta South
