Juba | March 30, 2026
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army–In Opposition has blamed the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces for the killing of more than 70 civilians at a gold mining site in Central Equatoria State, raising fresh concerns over security failures in the region.
The deadly attack occurred on March 28 in Khor Kaltan, near Jebel Iraq, a gold-rich area located west of Juba. Armed men reportedly raided the mining site in the evening, opening fire on local miners who were working across scattered locations in the bush. Authorities say over 74 people were killed, dozens injured, and several others remain missing.
Security forces were later deployed to the area to restore order, evacuate survivors, and begin investigations. However, officials have yet to identify the perpetrators, leaving uncertainty about who carried out the attack.The SPLA-IO argues that the SSPDF should be held responsible, pointing out that the area is under full control government military forces.
According to the opposition, this places accountability on the forces tasked with securing the area, particularly given their failure to prevent the killings or protect civilians.The incident reflects a growing pattern of violence across South Sudan, where civilians continue to be targeted by unidentified or loosely organized armed groups. Many of these attacks are linked to disputes over natural resources, especially gold, which has become a key source of livelihood for communities facing economic hardship.
The killings also highlight the fragile state of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. Although the agreement was meant to bring stability after years of civil war, ongoing insecurity and weak enforcement have allowed violence to persist in several parts of the country.
Authorities have condemned the attack and announced measures including medical evacuation for the injured, increased security presence in mining areas, and the launch of an investigation. Observers warn that without stronger control over illegal mining activities and better protection for civilians, such deadly incidents are likely to continue.
