The Western Equatoria State Civil Society Network has condemned an armed attack on civilian travelers along the Juba-Mundri Road and called for urgent action to protect civilians and establish the whereabouts of passengers who remain missing.
The latest attack occurred on 27 September between Lanyi and Lui in Mundri East County.
In a statement dated 29 September, Joseph Ndani, the network’s secretary, said two Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles carrying civilian passengers were attacked and burned, while more than 20 people were reportedly abducted. The network also said that some women were raped.
Local officials said about 32 people were abducted during the ambush. At least 27 have since been released and taken to Juba by their families, while an unknown number remain unaccounted for.
Some of those released reportedly said they were beaten and tortured while in captivity, while some women reported being raped.
The civil society network said the attack threatens civilian protection, freedom of movement and humanitarian assistance along the road, which connects communities in Western Equatoria to markets, health services and other essential services.
Wanga Emmanuel, Chairperson of the Civil Society Network in Western Equatoria State, said insecurity along the route is affecting civilians, humanitarian workers and economic activities.
“Whenever there is an economic crisis, civilians are always the victims,” he said. “Whenever there is a political crisis, civilians are also the ones who suffer.”
The network urged the caretaker government and national authorities to investigate the attack, establish the whereabouts of those still missing and strengthen security along major roads.
It also called on armed groups and security actors to stop attacks, abductions, looting and the burning of civilian property, and to pursue dialogue instead of violence.
Meanwhile, Isaac Fora, the Western Equatoria State Director General in the Ministry of Information and Communication and Acting Caretaker Minister of Information and Communication, said police in Mundri East had visited the scene and were investigating the attack.
He said the released passengers had already travelled to Juba with assistance from their families, making it difficult for authorities to obtain detailed information about the attackers.
Fora called on armed groups with grievances against the government to pursue dialogue rather than attack civilians.
“You will never achieve what you want by attacking innocent civilians moving on the road,” he said. “If you have a problem with the government, please face the government so that your issue will be sorted out.”
The police said joint security patrols have been deployed along the road to protect civilians and travelers. No arrests had been made, and the motive for the attack remained unclear.
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