Community leaders from the Balanda ethnic group in Western Equatoria State, South Sudan, have called for urgent intervention from the national government to address escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
The appeal was made during a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, attended by chiefs, youth representatives, elders, and parliamentarians from the Transitional National Legislature.
Andrea Keetediwe, a prominent Balanda chief, accused the Azande ethnic group of orchestrating systematic violence against the Balanda people, describing the situation as “genocidal.”
He claimed that since 2020, repeated attempts to broker peace through reconciliation conferences have failed, with Azande elites allegedly refusing to engage in dialogue.
Allegations of violence
Chief Keetediwe detailed allegations of targeted attacks, including killings, sexual violence, and the destruction of livelihoods. He stated that Balanda communities in Nagero, Tambura, Nzara, and Yambio have been forcibly displaced, with thousands now living in dire conditions in the bush.
“Women and girls are being raped, properties looted, and homes burned. Newborn babies are delivered in the bush without access to medical care, clean water, or shelter, leaving them vulnerable to deadly diseases like polio,” Keetediwe said.
He also accused the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and a militia group, allegedly led by Brigadier James Nando, of complicity in the violence.
Accusations of militia involvement
Chief Keetediwe claimed that a militia group, known as Anikpigbe, comprises Azande fighters from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic (CAR). He alleged that the group is using government military equipment to carry out attacks against Balanda civilians.
He cited a statement by SSPDF spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang, who reportedly described the conflict in Western Equatoria State as a “tribal war” between the Azande and Balanda communities. Keetediwe interpreted this as evidence of the genocidal nature of the violence.
Humanitarian crisis
The chief highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation, accusing local authorities in Tambura County of denying Balanda civilians access to medical care. He said primary health centers and healthcare units in Balanda-majority areas were looted by SSPDF forces in early February 2025, leaving communities reliant on traditional herbs for treatment.
Keetediwe also recounted specific incidents of violence, including the burning of 20 Balanda homes in Tambura on 23 February 2025 and the killing of a Balanda man in Yambio County. He called on President Salva Kiir, the South Sudanese government, and international humanitarian agencies to provide immediate aid to displaced communities and urged the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to protect civilians.
Political dimensions of the conflict
Pascal Bandindi, a lawmaker from Tambura County, attributed the conflict to competition over traditional and political power. He noted that while the Azande and Balanda communities historically coexisted peacefully, tensions have arisen over the Azande royal clan’s dominance in local governance.
“The root cause is competition over power—traditional and political. The Balanda assert their right to self-determination and cultural preservation, as guaranteed by the constitution,” Bandindi said. He emphasized that the conflict is not inherently ethnic but is fueled by power struggles.
SSPDF denies involvement
When contacted by Radio Tamazuj for comment, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesperson, denied allegations of military involvement in the conflict in Western Equatoria State. He clarified that Brigadier General James Nando is not leading a militia against the Balanda community and rejected claims that government equipment is being used in the violence.
“The problem in Western Equatoria is tribal, but the SSPDF is not involved in fighting along tribal lines. Brigadier Nando was engaged in operations against SPLA-IO forces resisting the removal of checkpoints, not targeting the Balanda community,” Lul Ruai stated.
The army spokesperson dismissed accusations of military complicity as “false.”
Azande community leaders could not immediately be reached for comment.