JUBA, South Sudan — Police in South Sudan have reported that more than 70 people were killed in a violent attack linked to a gold mining dispute in Central Equatoria State. Video footage shared online showed dozens of bodies on the ground, while many survivors are believed to have fled into the surrounding bush.
A senior government figure from Central Equatoria State who oversees the economic cluster addressed the killings, confirming that the death toll stands at more than 70 and warning that the number could rise significantly. He noted the possibility that additional bodies may still be found in the bushes, potentially pushing the figure to 72, 74, 76 or higher.
The spokesperson described the victims as purely civilians engaged in artisanal mining. Many were civil servants and government workers who, due to non-payment of salaries—sometimes delayed for up to two years—would go to the gold mine for two or three days to earn $100 or $200 to support their families.
“These are people who are really just trying to survive, get something small to take care of the family because the government is unable to pay salaries,” the spokesperson said, stressing that the victims had no connection to any armed groups.
The attack took place at a gold mining site very close to the capital Juba. The government has stated it will carry out a full investigation to determine exactly who carried out the killings. Up to now, the identity of the perpetrators remains unclear.
Public concern is mounting because the pattern appears similar to previous incidents in other parts of the country. For example, more than 200 people were killed in Abumnom, where the government also announced an investigation but no results have been made public. With this latest attack occurring so near Juba, many residents express little hope that accountability will follow, despite repeated promises of probes by the army, police, and executive branch.
The spokesperson announced that injured survivors are being evacuated to medical facilities, with some reported to have been shot in the arms or legs and now receiving treatment. Troops have been sent to secure the area as investigations begin.
Families have been deeply affected, with multiple members from the same households among the dead, leaving communities in mourning. The incident has heightened worries amid the country’s severe economic difficulties and ongoing instability.
As search operations continue for missing individuals, the full extent of the tragedy remains unclear. Authorities have described the killings as a heinous massacre targeting civilians simply trying to survive in the mineral-rich region.