An MP and representative of the National Democratic Movement Party in the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), Joseph Agua Bol, has condemned the killing and brutal treatment of South Sudanese in Sudan, and called for action by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Bol urged ICC to investigate the atrocities which include mutilations and the burning of bodies.
“This is an inhumane action committed by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) under the leadership of Gen Burhan,” Bol said.
“These atrocities cannot be accepted by the civilized world.”
Bol called on the United Nations and the African Union to designate SAF as a terrorist organization, emphasizing the need for justice.
“We must ensure those responsible for these atrocities are held accountable,” he stated.
Bol commended South Sudanese citizens for their restraint.
“We are bitter and grieving, but we must show the world we are different from those committing these inhumane actions,” he said.
“Revenge against innocent Sudanese refugees would plunge our country into chaos.”
Public Policy and Governance Specialist Yien Gatbuok Danhier outlined specific actions South Sudan must take to protect its citizens in Sudan and demand accountability for the atrocities.
“First of all, South Sudan needs to engage in bilateral diplomacy to directly negotiate with Sudan for the safety of its citizens,” Gatbuok explained.
“This includes demanding safe passage for those trapped in conflict areas, ensuring protection for citizens still in Sudan, and starting the repatriation process.”
Gatbuok also highlighted the importance of public advocacy to mobilize support and resources.
“South Sudan should leverage local and international media to highlight the plight of its citizens in Sudan and draw attention to the atrocities,” he said.
Additionally, Gatbuok emphasized the need to document incidents to ensure accountability.
“It is critical to identify and document those killed in the videos circulating online. We owe it to the victims to properly identify and account for them. Skin color alone is not enough; we must ensure proper identification,” he stressed.
South Sudan’s diplomatic missions, he went on, must improve their capacity to protect citizens abroad.
“Our embassies should collaborate with host nations’ immigration departments to maintain accurate data on South Sudanese citizens in those countries,” he said.
“If you ask the embassy of South Sudan to Sudan right now how many South Sudanese are in Sudan, I am 100% sure it cannot provide accurate data. This is an area where we need to improve.”
Gatbuok called for stronger regional diplomacy, emphasizing Kenya’s role as a mediator under IGAD.
“Kenya, under President Ruto’s leadership, must amplify efforts to mediate and provide humanitarian assistance,” he said.
“We also need regional diplomacy involving Uganda, Ethiopia, and other East African nations to press Sudan for peace and accountability,” he added
“It is not enough to bring the warring parties to the table. Perpetrators must face justice for the atrocities committed,” Gatbuok said.
South Sudan has summoned Sudan’s envoy in Juba to protest the atrocities.