30/04/2026
"Biemnom Massacre: A Call for Justice and Accountability in South Sudan"
"Not every Dinka is my brother, and not every Nuer is my enemy. In recent months, the Dinka Ruwëng community faced a devastating incident, described as a massacre, carried out by Nuer forces allied with the SSPDF's 4th Infantry Division, led by former commander Mathew Puljang. Countless lives were lost and buried in a mass grave. The attack was planned and coordinated by elite South Sudanese politicians, who promised a full investigation and to hand over the perpetrators to the police, but this never happened.
Instead, the government declined to acknowledge the incident, and the stories of investigation and accountability were silled. In fact, the government announced the outcome of the massacre in Biemnom, and the "success" of the attack led to the following changes:
- Justin Riek Biem, Unity State Governor, was sacked
- Johnson Mut, Commissioner of Mayom County, was sacked
- Mathieu Puljang, 4th Infantry Division commander, was sacked
New appointees include:
- Joseph Nguen Monytel, Unity State Governor
- John Bol Mayak, Mayom County commissioner
- Maj-Gen Joseph Manyuat Manydhol, 4th Infantry Division commander.
I believe that those responsible for the destruction of innocent lives in the village have not been held accountable. Both Dinka and Nuer individuals have been involved in political agendas. The government, led by a Dinka son and comprising various ethnic groups (63 in total), has failed to restore security for local civilians to return home. Over 150 houses were destroyed, and more than 2,000 people are displaced in neighboring areas, including Jouljok, Turalei, and Abyei. Many are seeking to return home but are unable to do so due to the government's failure. Mothers and siblings are traumatized, and many children are dying from starvation and disease in overcrowded, unhealthy environments."
In conclusion, the Biemnom massacre highlights the need for accountability and justice
