SSPDF war crimes: South Sudan army abuses civilians in Western Equatoria

• South Sudan's army and allies committed war crimes against civilians in Western Equatoria.
• At least eight civilians were summarily executed during clashes between government forces and opposition groups.
• Women were raped, and civilians were subjected to ill-treatment after being accused of supporting the opposition.
• Property was burned and pillaged, leaving many with nothing to return to.

"Government forces and allied militia carried out serious abuses against civilian communities in Nagero County, leaving many with nothing to return to," said Laetitia Bader, Horn of Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

In Western Equatoria, a region plagued by conflict since 2018, civilians have been subjected to egregious abuses by the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and their allies. The abuses include intentional killings, rape, torture, and cruel treatment, constituting war crimes. According to Human Rights Watch, at least eight civilians, including children, were summarily executed during clashes between government forces and opposition groups in Nagero County. Women were raped, and civilians, including detainees, were subjected to ill-treatment after being accused of supporting the opposition. Property was burned and pillaged, leaving many with nothing to return to.

The conflict in Western Equatoria has been ongoing since 2018, with both government forces and opposition groups committing serious abuses against civilians. The latest clashes between the SSPDF and the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA/IO) occurred from January to February 2025 and again from September to November 2025. Human Rights Watch has documented numerous instances of war crimes, including intentional killings, rape, and torture. The organization has also analyzed satellite imagery showing active fires or burn marks over several villages in Nagero County during the clashes.

The ongoing conflict in Western Equatoria has significant implications for aid access and humanitarian efforts. Civilians continue to live in fear, and the government has limited aid access into Nagero County. The situation is also of concern for lawyers and compliance officers, who should be aware of the potential impact on business or investment activities in the region. Human Rights Watch has called on the government to investigate these violations promptly and effectively, and hold leaders accountable.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the ongoing conflict in Western Equatoria, which may impact aid access and humanitarian efforts. They should also consider the potential implications for clients involved in business or investment activities in the region.

Source: Original reporting via Human Rights Watch