South Sudan’s CEPO Condemns Violence Against Sudanese Traders and Calls for Unity
In a powerful statement made earlier today, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), condemned the unlawful attacks against Sudanese traders in South Sudan, urging citizens to halt the violence and looting that have become increasingly prevalent amid rising tensions.
Yakani’s remarks follow alarming reports and videos depicting brutal acts committed against South Sudanese citizens and refugees in Sudan, including beheadings by the Sudanese Armed Forces. “These acts are inhumane and degrading, and we strongly condemn them,” he stated. He appealed to South Sudanese citizens to refrain from retaliatory violence against Sudanese nationals residing in South Sudan, emphasizing that innocents should not suffer for the actions of their government.
Echoing a plea for accountability, Yakani urged South Sudanese leaders, particularly President Salva Kiir, to address the nation on these critical issues. He criticized the government’s silence, suggesting it enables unlawful actions among civilians. “The government must come forward with strong condemnation and guidance against these attacks,” he urged.
Yakani also shared concerns about South Sudanese refugees stranded at the border, calling for the reopening of crossings to allow safe passage back home. He encouraged the establishment of an urgent humanitarian committee to address the needs of both South Sudanese refugees in Sudan and their Sudanese counterparts in South Sudan.
In a broader plea for peace, Yakani called for responsible use of social media, urging citizens to avoid hate speech and hostile propaganda that might exacerbate tensions between the two nations.
As South Sudan prepares for a cabinet meeting today, Yakani’s message highlights an urgent need for better governance and protection of all citizens, regardless of their nationality, amidst a complex web of conflict and humanitarian crises in the region.
The international community is closely watching the developments in both Sudan and South Sudan, with hopes for a resolution that promotes safety and dignity for all affected populations.
