ISTANBUL

The EU and embassies of nine countries on Thursday condemned the killing of civilians in South Sudan’s Jonglei state, saying they were “appalled by credible reports of a deliberate massacre of civilians.”

In a joint statement, the EU delegation and the embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK, and the US said the attack on Saturday in Pankor village, Ayod County, was “reportedly perpetrated by forces linked to the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF).”

The statement called for an immediate halt to fighting and a return to inclusive dialogue, noting the attack comes amid a surge in violence across Jonglei State.

It urged authorities to bring to justice anyone behind the killings and the rising violence, regardless of rank or political ties.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence in July 2011 but descended into civil war in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed then-Vice President Riek Machar, accusing him of plotting a coup.

Despite the 2018 peace agreement and the formation of a transitional unity government, clashes and political tensions have persisted.

Fighting between the SSPDF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by Oyet Nathaniel, deputy chair of the SPLM-IO, has intensified since December in northern Jonglei.

Tensions escalated in 2025, exposing deep divisions within the transitional government formed under the 2018 peace deal. Clashes were first reported in January in Western Equatoria State before spreading north.

Suspended First Vice President Machar has been under house arrest since March 2025 and is facing trial.