Gunmen kill over 70 in South Sudan gold mining dispute near Jebel Iraq

More than 70 people were killed in a deadly attack at a gold mining site on the outskirts of South Sudan’s capital over the weekend, police confirmed on Monday.

The massacre occurred at Jebel Iraq in Central Equatoria State, an area that has previously experienced violent confrontations involving illegal miners. A graphic video circulating online shows dozens of bodies strewn across the ground, with local journalists reporting that many other victims likely fled into surrounding bushes to escape the violence.

“Unknown gunmen attacked Jebel Iraq at a gold mine. There are more than 70 dead and many more injured,” police spokesperson Kwacijwok Dominic Amondoc told reporters, noting that authorities were still gathering details about the incident.

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army – In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) has placed blame for the massacre squarely on government forces, known as the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

“Jebel Iraq lies within a zone that is entirely under the exclusive control of the SSPDF. Consequently, full responsibility for the massacre rests with the SSPDF forces that control the area,” the opposition group said in a statement released Monday. When contacted by the Associated Press, army spokespersons declined to comment on these allegations.

Gold mining in South Sudan operates largely outside regulatory frameworks, with state governments managing their respective mining sectors independently from national oversight. This fragmented governance structure has created conditions ripe for conflict, especially in resource-rich regions where traditional authority structures are weak and security presence is minimal.

The Nile Institute for the Study of Human Rights and Transitional Justice, a local civil rights organization, condemned the attack while highlighting systemic problems behind such violence.

“This horrific act represents a grave violation of the fundamental right to life and highlights the continued vulnerability of civilians in areas affected by a weak security presence and unregulated resource exploitation,” the group stated. They called for “effective governance and oversight in resource-rich areas” as a means to prevent similar tragedies.

The massacre at Jebel Iraq reflects broader challenges facing South Sudan’s extractive industries. The country possesses significant mineral wealth, including gold, but has struggled to establish effective regulatory frameworks since gaining independence in 2011. Much of the mining activity occurs informally, with local communities, armed groups, and various government factions competing for control of lucrative sites.

Edmund Yakani, a prominent human rights activist in the country, urged authorities to address what he described as an “emerging trend of communities competing for natural resources” throughout the nation.

“My appeal is to the government to intervene and stop this culture of illegal gold mining across the country,” Yakani said, suggesting that unregulated resource extraction has become a significant driver of violence in several regions.

The incident occurs against the backdrop of fragile security conditions in South Sudan, which continues to recover from years of civil conflict. Despite peace agreements, localized violence remains common, particularly in areas where valuable resources intersect with weak governance structures.

Authorities have not yet provided information about the identities of the victims or the suspected perpetrators. The investigation into one of the deadliest attacks in recent South Sudanese history continues as families seek answers and accountability for the violence that has once again highlighted the deadly consequences of resource competition in the world’s youngest nation.