Torit County Commissioner Christopher Andrew has proposed using a firing squad as a drastic measure to address ongoing killings and insecurity in Hiyala Payam, Eastern Equatoria state.
The proposal came during a community gathering for the Otuho people in Torit town on Saturday. Andrew expressed frustration over villagers harboring criminals.
Late last month, Governor Louis Lobong ordered a ceasefire in Hiyala Payam, but the order has been repeatedly violated. Residents said unidentified gunmen shot and injured a man in the village of Haforiere, while another resident disappeared under mysterious circumstances on the same day.
Andrew praised local intellectuals documenting atrocities and promoting accountability. “There is much work to be done in Hiyala,” he said. “While many blame the government for the violence, it is a collective responsibility to ensure the safety of our people.”
He added that public executions could serve as a deterrent, but said human rights conventions prevent such actions.
“Anyone committing heinous acts will be apprehended and brought to justice,” he said. “Even if families of perpetrators seek forgiveness, the government would still impose an eight-year prison term.”
Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned harsh punishments, including executions, citing risks of wrongful convictions and violations of international law.
Addressing Otuho intellectuals living in Juba and abroad, the commissioner urged them to support peace efforts. “This conflict is fueled by individuals detached from the realities faced by those in Hiyala,” he said. “If you are a leader but fail to support your community, you are a pretender.”
Margret Idwa Okuye, Eastern Equatoria’s Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, called on communities to reject support for criminal activities and cooperate with authorities.
Speaking in her native Otuho language, she said, “Continued support for criminals only perpetuates violence and hinders development. Every time there is a killing, the people of Hiyala mourn, yet no arrests follow.”
She added,” When someone is apprehended, there are constant demands for their release. This cycle contributes to suffering and violence. You must hold yourselves accountable rather than blaming the government.”
She urged residents to report crimes. “Imagine the tragedy of killing women and children. What can you possibly gain from this? Too often, a gun is treated as though it fires independently while the perpetrator remains concealed,” she said.
Torit Mayor and SPLM county chairperson Oyito Baptist Soforonio pledged to launch operations to tackle crime in Hiyala Payam. He said justice mechanisms will be established to address raids, revenge killings, looting, and ambushes.
“There will be a significant movement in Hiyala Payam,” he said. “We are committed to extinguishing the flames of violence. We need your cooperation to restore peace so that both the commissioner and I can effectively perform our duties.”
Hiyala Payam has long been affected by inter-communal violence, including revenge killings, raids, and armed attacks. Despite repeated government ceasefire orders, insecurity persists, with local authorities struggling to enforce law and order.
Residents and local officials say the violence is fueled by disputes over land, cattle, and local leadership, and it has hindered social and economic development in the area.