Early-Morning Attack on Funeral Travelers
Residents of Tambura County woke to tragedy on 12 October as gunfire erupted along the Tambura-Rii-Yubu road at 7:30 a.m. Three civilians en route to a burial in Sinawiri village were fatally ambushed by unidentified shooters.
Witnesses say the assailants confiscated the victims’ motorcycle and phones before disappearing into nearby bush, leaving the three, aged 19 to 30, lifeless on the dirt track.
Local Authorities Point to SPLA-IO Fighters
Acting County Commissioner Moses Merci Sere blamed the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition for what he called “ongoing killings, gunfire, and looting” across Tambura.
Sere urged all armed groups to honor the 2018 peace accord, insisting that civilians “should never be bargaining chips.” No SPLA-IO spokesperson could be reached to respond.
Community Demands Swift Accountability
Local residents and civil society figures swiftly condemned the attack, calling for stronger patrols and impartial investigations.
“This is a continuous violation of human rights,” warned activist Edmund Yakani, who appealed for dialogue between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and SPLA-IO instead of renewed clashes.
Broader Security Tensions in Western Equatoria
Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong said an official report was still pending but pledged a thorough inquiry, adding that stability in the state remains a policing priority.
Observers note that clashes in Tambura have periodically displaced thousands since 2021, underscoring the fragile security architecture in South Sudan’s southwest despite national peace milestones.