Western Equatoria Women’s Union Calls for Peace Following Fatal Attack on Travelers
By Jackson Gaaniko
The Women’s Union of Western Equatoria State has issued a resolute condemnation of a harrowing attack that resulted in the death of one woman and left six others injured as they traveled along the Yambio-Juba road. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday morning near Riimenze, during a typical commute from Yambio to Juba.
Fozia Abbas Barnaba Bangasu, Chairperson of the Women’s Network for Peace and Security in the state, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a “barbaric act” during a press briefing. “On behalf of the women of Western Equatoria and myself, I want to condemn, in the strongest terms, the horrific events that occurred yesterday,” she declared. “While travelling to Juba, these women were ambushed. We lament the loss of one life and pray for the recovery of the injured.”
Fozia highlighted the ongoing plight of women in conflict-ridden areas, stating, “As women, we are often the first victims in any conflict. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of our vulnerability. We demand peace and security on our roads.”
She reiterated the urgent need to tackle the rising tide of gender-based violence (GBV) in the region, marking the incident as especially egregious due to the anonymity of the attackers. “We cannot allow our roads to be blocked or our vehicles to be targeted. We stand united in our call for peace,” Fozia emphasized.
Adding to the condemnation, Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, His Excellency Daniel Badagbu, addressed the attack, which he referred to as an ambush conducted by unidentified assailants 18 miles from Yambio. Governor Badagbu noted that the attackers were reportedly linked to SPLM-IO soldiers.
“This is a serious crime, and I condemn it in the strongest terms,” asserted Governor Badagbu. He recalled a similar incident occurring on the Bazungua Road weeks prior, where civilians were robbed and one person was killed. “Due to our collaboration with security forces, we have not witnessed such incidents in the past three weeks,” he added, expressing confidence in ongoing security efforts.
The unity among the Women’s Network and the state’s leadership underscores a growing demand for stability and security in Western Equatoria. Both advocates reiterated the critical importance of the Yambio-Juba road, a vital artery for the movement of people and goods.
The community’s plea for peace resonates deeply within the affected families and illustrates the broader quest for security in a region scarred by violence. As the investigation into the incident continues, the need for vigilance and protection of vulnerable populations remains paramount.
