22/02/2026
Condemnation Letter on the Killing of Civilians in Ayod County
February 22, 2026
Juba, South Sudan
To Whom It May Concern,
I write to express my strongest condemnation of the horrific and senseless killing of innocent civilians that occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. yesterday in Pankor Village, Pajiek Payam, Ayod County.
According to credible reports, the tragic incident happened at a time when local authorities were expecting a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) to assess the humanitarian situation in the area. In an effort to demonstrate the vulnerability and urgent needs of the population, civilians were encouraged to gather so that the delegation could witness the difficult conditions faced by the community.
It has been reported that soldiers of the South Sudan Peopleβs Defence Forces (SSPDF) went to Pankor Village and used a microphone to mobilize civilians, informing them to assemble in order to receive food rations. Trusting this announcement and hoping to access much needed humanitarian assistance, unarmed civilians gathered at a hut as instructed.
Tragically, once the civilians had assembled, the soldiers reportedly opened fire on the crowd. As a result of this brutal attack, 22 women and 3 men lost their lives, bringing the total number of innocent civilians killed to 25. These victims were mothers, daughters, sisters, and fathers whose only intention was to seek support in a time of hardship.
This act represents a grave violation of human rights and a direct assault on the dignity, safety, and protection of civilians. Violence against unarmed civilians, especially under the pretense of humanitarian aid, is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
I call upon the National Government and the State Government to conduct an immediate, serious, transparent, and independent investigation into this incident. Those responsible must be identified and held fully accountable under the law. Justice is essential not only for the
