Amnesty International has accused the South Sudan authorities and the United Nations mission in the country of failing to act on warnings to prevent a massacre that killed over 200 people in March. The organization stated on Thursday, 12 November 2026, that despite being informed of the risk of an attack, the authorities and the UN mission did not take sufficient measures to prevent the violence. The massacre occurred in the Abiemnom county, near the Sudanese border.
The conflict in South Sudan has been marked by insecurity since the country gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Clashes have occurred between soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir and those supporting his main opponent and former Vice-President Riek Machar, who has been imprisoned since March 2025 and charged with "crimes against humanity". The March 1 attack was carried out by over 1,000 armed men from the Nuer ethnic group, which is associated with Machar.
According to Amnesty International, the attackers launched a four-hour assault on the Abiemnom county, killing over 200 people, including children, and injuring many others. The organization said it had spoken to dozens of witnesses and victims, who reported that the authorities and the UN mission had been informed of the possibility of an attack at least two weeks earlier. In the 48 hours leading up to the attack, around 1,000 people had sought refuge at a temporary UN base near Abiemnom.
Amnesty International's report also stated that the authorities of the Unity state, from which the attackers originated, had received intelligence about the threat. Despite this, the organization said that the government and the UN mission did not take effective preventive measures, which resulted in the loss of lives. Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International's regional director, expressed regret over what he described as "one of the worst massacres recorded in South Sudan since 2020".
The attack was marked by widespread violence, with assailants firing on people attempting to reach the UN base, where they sought protection. Seven people were killed near the base, and witnesses reported that attackers fired on people in their homes or while fleeing. The assailants also set fire to homes and the market, looted property, and vandalized part of the hospital. Satellite images analyzed by Amnesty International showed that over 230 structures had been destroyed.
Amnesty International has called on the government and the UN mission to conduct independent investigations into the attack, which raises "serious questions" about the performance of the UN mission. The organization also urged that those responsible be held accountable. Chagutah emphasized that the victims of Abiemnom deserved the truth, justice, and assurance that such a tragedy would not recur.
The massacre has highlighted the ongoing insecurity in South Sudan and the need for effective measures to protect civilians. Amnesty International's report has also raised concerns about the role of the UN mission in preventing such attacks. The organization's findings have underscored the importance of accountability and justice for victims of violence in the country.
Key points
- Amnesty International accuses South Sudan authorities and UN mission of failing to prevent March massacre that killed over 200 people
- The organization calls for independent investigations into the attack and for those responsible to be held accountable
- The massacre has highlighted ongoing insecurity in South Sudan and the need for effective measures to protect civilians
