JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — Armed attackers massacred more than 70 people at an illegal gold mining operation near South Sudan’s capital during weekend violence, law enforcement officials reported Monday.
Disturbing footage showing numerous bodies scattered across the ground circulated on social media, while local reporters indicated additional victims likely escaped into surrounding wilderness areas.
The deadly incident occurred at the Jebel Iraq mining location in Central Equatoria State, a site that has previously experienced deadly confrontations between unauthorized miners. South Sudan’s gold extraction industry operates with minimal oversight, allowing regional governments to manage mining operations without federal supervision.
Law enforcement spokesman Kwacijwok Dominic Amondoc promised to provide additional details about the assault once investigators gather more information.
“All I know is that unknown gunmen attacked Jebel Iraq at a gold mine. There are more than 70 dead and many more injured,” he said.
Opposition forces from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army – In Opposition, known as SPLM/A-IO, issued a statement Monday denouncing the violence and pointing fingers at government military units called the SSPDF.
“Jebel Iraq lies within a zone that is entirely under the exclusive control of the SSPDF. Consequently, full responsibility for the massacre rests with the SSPDF forces that control the area,” a statement from the opposition said.
Military officials declined to provide comment when contacted by the Associated Press.
The Nile Institute for the Study of Human Rights and Transitional Justice, a regional advocacy organization, denounced the bloodshed and demanded improved administration of mineral-rich territories.
“This horrific act represents a grave violation of the fundamental right to life and highlights the continued vulnerability of civilians in areas affected by a weak security presence and unregulated resource exploitation,” the group wrote in a statement.
Rights advocate Edmund Yakani called on leadership to tackle growing conflicts over natural resource access.
“My appeal is to the government to intervene and stop this culture of illegal gold mining across the country,” he said.
