The weekend was marked by a bloody tragedy in South Sudan. A large-scale attack targeted the Khor Kaltan mining site, located about 70 kilometers southwest of the capital, Juba. The provisional death toll stands at at least 73 , with many more wounded.

A particularly heavy human toll

Vice President James Wani Igga officially communicated the scale of the tragedy, specifying that the victims are mainly local miners.

1. Deaths: At least 73 people.
2. Injuries: 25 seriously injured requiring emergency evacuation.
3. Diplomatic estimates: Some sources fear a higher death toll, ranging between 75 and 86.

Investigations and grey areas

The identity of the attackers remains unclear at this stage. The government has announced the opening of an official investigation to determine the motives for this massacre.

"We need to determine the identity and motive of these unidentified attackers," said James Wani Igga, while stressing the top priority: medical care.

A climate of permanent political tension

Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the cross-accusations reflect the country's chronic instability since its independence in 2011:

1. The opposition's lead: An anonymous security source points the finger at forces linked to Riek Machar (the first vice-president).
2. The denial: Machar's camp, currently under house arrest, denies any involvement and turns the accusation back to the regular South Sudanese army .

This new episode of violence comes amid a resurgence of clashes between supporters of President Salva Kiir and those of his historical rival, plunging the world's youngest state into mourning once again.