Hundreds of mourners gathered in Yei on Thursday for an ecumenical prayer service to commemorate the 14 people killed in a plane crash near Luri in April, as religious leaders renewed calls for the government to publish the findings of its investigation into the disaster.
The interdenominational service, held at Freedom Square, brought together church leaders, government officials, humanitarian organisations, faith-based groups and residents in a display of solidarity with the victims’ families.
The aircraft crashed on April 27 while flying from Yei to Juba, killing all 14 people on board. The victims included former Yei River State Information Minister Kadu Onesimo, Central Equatoria State Media Observatory Committee member Vivian Nandege, activist Mama Hawa Adams and a Kenyan national.
Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo described the crash as an unprecedented tragedy for the community and proposed that April 27 be observed annually as a day of remembrance for the victims.
“April 27 has been the darkest day in the history of Yei because we never expected such a tragedy,” Malimbo said. “We will continue to hold this ecumenical prayer service every year to remember those who lost their lives in the crash.”
Religious leaders urged the community to remain united while calling for greater accountability over aviation safety.
Joseph Arike, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Yei, said the service was intended to honour the victims and encourage compassion among residents.
“We have gathered to remember our brothers and sisters who died in the tragic plane crash and to honour them as members of our families, our colleagues and our communities,” he said.
Anglican Bishop Rt. Rev. Levi Marandulu called on the government to complete its investigation into the crash and make its findings public. He also urged authorities to strengthen oversight of aircraft operating in South Sudan, saying all planes entering service should undergo rigorous safety inspections.
“The government should make the outcome of the investigation public so people know what caused the crash,” Marandulu said. “Aircraft operating in South Sudan must meet safety standards to help prevent similar tragedies.”
Representing the bereaved families, Joseph Obono Mile said the memorial was a reminder of the fragility of life and urged communities to live in peace and support one another.
Dominic Living Wawa, speaking on behalf of mourners, appealed to the government, humanitarian organisations and religious institutions to provide long-term support for children left orphaned by the crash, including access to education, healthcare and protection.
The memorial service was organised by Yei River County’s Inter-Religious Committee in collaboration with the Office of the County Commissioner.
No official investigation report into the cause of the crash has yet been made public.
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