Over 70 Miners Killed in South Sudan Amid Blame Dispute Between Government and Opposition
Deadly attack in Jebel Iraq sparks blame between government forces and opposition, highlighting ongoing security and illegal mining challenges
- At least 74 miners were killed in Jebel Iraq, southwest of Juba, in a violent incident involving unknown gunmen
- SPLM-IO accuses government forces, while officials claim rebel groups carried out the attack
- Authorities and opposition leaders urge formal inquiries to identify the perpetrators and prevent further violence
At least 74 miners were killed by gunmen over the weekend in the mineral-rich area of Jebel Iraq, southwest of South Sudan’s capital, Juba, as government and opposition officials traded accusations over responsibility.
The area, controlled by the national army, became the scene of deadly violence. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by suspended First Vice-President Riek Machar, condemned the killings and accused government forces of carrying out the attack.
Paulino Lukudu Obede, acting governor of Central Equatoria state, expressed the government’s “shock and outrage” at the “brutal and barbaric killing of innocent civilians by rebel forces,” though he did not specify which group was responsible. He stated that the government was taking steps to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further violence.
Deputy Information Minister David Yau Yau later accused the SPLM-IO of the killings on national television. Multiple rebel groups, including the National Salvation Front, operate in Central Equatoria, but none have claimed responsibility.
The SPLM-IO issued a statement condemning the killings as “regrettable, barbaric and unacceptable,” while Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, insisted that the national army was responsible, noting that Jebel Iraq is under army control. Baluang called on UN bodies to investigate the “Jebel Iraq massacre” and other alleged war crimes in South Sudan.
Machar has been under house arrest in Juba since March last year and faces trial on charges including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, which he denies.
Vice-President James Wani Igga condemned the attack as a “heinous massacre,” emphasizing that miners form the “backbone of our local economy” and calling for a formal inquiry to identify the attackers and their motives.
South Sudan, rich in minerals such as gold, has awarded mining contracts to several companies, but illegal artisanal mining remains widespread, especially in regions like Equatoria.
