Court Martial Awaits South Sudan Soldiers Over Jonglei Civilian Deaths

The South Sudanese military has stated that several soldiers, including two officers, will undergo a court martial concerning the murder of civilians in Jonglei state last month amid rising violence in various areas of the nation.

Lul Ruai Koang, the army spokesman, indicated that the arrested personnel would be charged in Juba before being presented in a military court. The accused group comprises a major and several non-commissioned officers linked to the fatal attack that occurred on February 21 in Ayod County, where sources say at least 25 civilians, including women and children, lost their lives. Koang revealed that these soldiers acted without the approval or knowledge of their division commander.

The military has pointed fingers at certain elements under General Johnson Olony, who had previously been recorded directing troops to "spare no lives" in Jonglei. It has been noted that these soldiers are affiliated with a militia group supporting opposition factions and have not been fully incorporated into the national army as stipulated by the 2018 peace accord that concluded a five-year civil conflict between President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar.

This episode arises during an increase in clashes between government forces and opposition groups, particularly in the eastern Jonglei state, where the United Nations reports that over 280,000 individuals have been displaced since December. The army expressed sorrow over the civilian casualties and reminded its members that their obligation is to ensure the safety of civilians and their possessions.

Religious leaders have also voiced concerns regarding the deteriorating security climate. The Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference has recently urged authorities to safeguard vulnerable populations and foster dialogue following a fresh outbreak of violence in Abiemnom County near the Sudan border, which resulted in the fatalities of at least 169 individuals.