SPLM-IO seeks UN investigation after 25 civilians killed in Ayod

JUBA – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army–In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) has demanded a United Nations investigation following the killing of at least 25 civilians in Pankor village, Ayod County of Jonglei State, allegedly by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

In a strongly worded letter dated February 23, 2026, and addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Acting Chairman of the SPLM/A-IO, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, described the incident as “a deliberate massacre” and urged the international community to take urgent action.

According to the letter, the killings occurred on Saturday, February 21, at around 8:15 a.m. in Pankor village of Pajiek Payam. The opposition movement claims that members of the SSPDF, allegedly under the command of senior officers in Ayod, gathered civilians under the pretext of a humanitarian meeting.
However, the SPLM/A-IO alleges that the gathering turned into what it termed a “death trap.”

“They gathered innocent civilians — women, children, and the elderly — under the pretence of assistance,” the letter states. “Instead, they were arrested, tortured, and killed in cold blood.”

The movement claims that at least 25 civilians were killed during the incident and further alleges that some of the victims had their hands and legs tied before being executed. The allegations have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate response from the government or the SSPDF.

In the letter, the SPLM/A-IO also levels broader accusations against President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s administration, claiming a continued pattern of violence since the outbreak of conflict in December 2013.

“The regime has continued a policy of ethnic profiling, summary executions, war crimes, and crimes against humanity,” the letter reads, adding that years of conflict have resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced both internally and abroad.

Beyond calling for an investigation into the Ayod incident, the opposition urged the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to strengthen civilian protection under its mandate. It also renewed its demand for the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan to prosecute those accused of serious crimes.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” the letter states.

Copies of the correspondence were reportedly sent to several African leaders, including Cyril Ramaphosa, William Ruto, Abiy Ahmed, Paul Kagame, and Bola Tinubu.

If confirmed, the alleged killings could deepen concerns about civilian protection and the fragility of South Sudan’s peace process as the country prepares for long-delayed elections. For now, attention turns to the United Nations and relevant authorities for clarification and possible action.