Africa-Press – South-Sudan. A South Sudanese civil society activist has called for an independent investigation following the discovery of mass graves in Akobo County, Jonglei State, raising fresh concerns over violence and accountability in the region.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), urged authorities and international partners to establish a credible inquiry into the graves uncovered during recent road construction works.
The call comes after the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned on Friday that the human remains found at the site could indicate a higher number of victims from recent clashes than previously documented.
Yakani strongly condemned the suspected killings and stressed the importance of transparency in uncovering the truth.
“An independent and credible investigation is necessary to establish the truth about these graves and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” he said.
Preliminary findings from the UN commission suggest the remains may belong to combatants killed during earlier confrontations. However, the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths and subsequent burial remain unclear.
The discovery coincides with renewed fighting in parts of Jonglei State, particularly around Akobo, where control has reportedly shifted between government and opposition forces in recent weeks.
Yakani also called on both political leaders and citizens to reject violence and embrace dialogue as the only sustainable path to peace.
“Violence will not resolve our differences,” he emphasized. “We must embrace dialogue and peaceful engagement to bring stability to our country.”
The situation continues to heighten concerns over insecurity in the region, underscoring the urgent need for justice, reconciliation, and long-term peacebuilding efforts in affected communities.
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