Kiir to ‘punish’ killers of high-ranking military officers, civilians in Tonj

JUBA— President Salva Kiir Mayardit has promised to punish people who are behind the killing of over 30 people including senior army officers during clash between civilians and soldiers in Tonj North of Warrap State last month.

In June, deadly fighting erupted at Rualbet Payam of Warrap state between soldiers belonging to South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed civilians resulting in the killing of scores of people including senior army officers.

While the official government toll of those who died stands at 30, several state officials with direct knowledge of the actual number of those who died say it stands at 65,most of whom are members of the organized forces.

In statements marking his annual Independence Day message, Kiir lamented the continued inter-communal violence as a threat to the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement and expressed grieve over the Tonj violence.

“The gains we have made in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement are being eroded by inter-communal violence across the country. We have lost many lives in Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria and Warrap States to inter communal violence,” Kiir said.

“Even more disheartening is the recent violence in Tonj North where many military personnel, including several senior officers lost their lives at the hands of our owned civilian population. These soldiers died at the hand of those they have sworn to protect. At personal level, I deeply regret their death and I convey my heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones,” he added.

The South Sudanese head of state described the killing of both civilians and army officers as ‘senseless’ and said that justice must be served, but will not be collective and will only be dealt to those behind the killing.

“As a country, we cannot allow this senseless killing of both security personnel and civilians to continue. Justice must be served on behalf of those whose lives have been lost through this pointless violence,” he said.

“Let me remind everyone that the government will not engage in collective punishment when pursuing justice on behalf of those who have been killed. The government will not met out collective punishment, but it will hold those who have killed others accountable for their crimes,” he added.