At least 74 people were killed after unidentified gunmen attacked a gold mining site at Jebel Iraq, on the outskirts of the capital, over the week-end. Police confirmed the incident on Monday, March 30, indicating that several others were injured while some victims fled into nearby bushes as the violence unfolded.
Authorities say the attack is linked to a dispute over gold mining activities in the area, which has a history of clashes involving illegal miners. The largely unregulated nature of South Sudan’s mining sector, where regional authorities often operate independently, has contributed to recurring instability in resource-rich zones.
The opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), condemned the killings and accused government forces, the SSPDF, of responsibility, arguing the area falls under their control. However, the military has not commented on the allegations, leaving uncertainty over accountability.
Civil society organizations have strongly criticized the attack, describing it as a failure of governance and protection in mineral-rich regions. Human rights advocates have urged authorities to regulate the mining sector and address growing competition over natural resources, warning that continued inaction could fuel further violence.
