South Sudan’s army has announced that several soldiers, including two officers, will face a court martial over the killing of civilians in Jonglei state last month, as violence continues to escalate in parts of the country.

Army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said those arrested would be charged in the capital, Juba, before being arraigned before a military court. The suspects include a major and several non-commissioned officers accused of involvement in the February 21 attack in Ayod County, where at least 25 civilians, including women and children, were killed, according to opposition sources. Koang said the soldiers had moved out without the knowledge or authorisation of their division commander.

The army attributed the killings to “some elements” operating under General Johnson Olony, who had earlier been filmed ordering troops to “spare no lives” in Jonglei. Authorities said the soldiers were part of a militia group allied to opposition forces that had not been fully integrated into the national army despite provisions in the 2018 peace agreement that ended the country’s five-year civil war between President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar.

The incident comes amid a surge in fighting between government and opposition forces, particularly in eastern Jonglei state, where the United Nations says at least 280,000 people have been displaced since December. The army expressed regret over the deaths and reminded its troops that their mandate was to protect civilians and their property.

Church leaders have also raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation. The Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference recently appealed to authorities to protect vulnerable communities and promote dialogue after another wave of violence in Abiemnom County near the Sudan border left at least 169 people dead. (Arise News)