The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Alliance on Elections has strongly condemned the deadly attack by unidentified assailants in MiriLoko village, Lui, Mundri East County in Western Equatoria State on Thursday, which left two people dead, one critically injured, and several delegates missing or in hiding in bushes.
“The Alliance mourns victims Veronica Lucy Gordon, former SSBC journalist and recent parliamentary candidate, and Justin [Akim], former teacher and church elder,” the statement reads in part. “We extend condolences to their families and communities and urge urgent efforts to find missing delegates and provide survivors with medical and psychosocial support.”
The Alliance said the attack is a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a serious threat to democratic participation and the electoral process.
“The killing of a woman who sought public office is particularly alarming because violence and intimidation against women in political and public life undermine their constitutional rights and equal participation in governance,” the statement added.
The Alliance called on the National and Western Equatoria State authorities to conduct an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
“The Alliance urges the authorities to intensify search and rescue efforts to locate all missing delegates, and to provide medical and psychosocial assistance to survivors and affected families,” the statement said. “Strengthen protection for political candidates, delegates, journalists, election observers, and civilians, particularly women participating in political and electoral processes.”
“Violence and impunity must have no place in South Sudan’s democratic transition. Safety and equal participation in public life must be guaranteed,” it added.
The Alliance said it stands in solidarity with the affected families and communities and reaffirms its commitment to a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic South Sudan.
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