By James Innocent
Authorities in Yei River County have convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting following a fatal air crash involving a Citylink Aviation aircraft that claimed the lives of 14 people, including the pilot.
Speaking at the county secretariat on Wednesday, the commissioner of Yei River County, Samuel Henry Malimbo, described the incident as “a dark day” for the community and announced that flags would fly at half-mast for three days in honour of the victims.
He also confirmed that final funeral prayers will be held at Yei Freedom Square.
The meeting brought together religious leaders, community elders, civil society representatives, and members of the Muslim community, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of those who perished in the crash.
The commissioner said consultations are ongoing to determine appropriate burial arrangements, particularly in cases requiring specific religious rites, including that of Mama Hawa Adams.
Religious leaders called for unity and prayer during the mourning period. Rev. Joseph Arike, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Yei, said the scale of the tragedy had left many residents in shock and urged the community to seek strength through faith.
He also called on authorities to strengthen oversight of aircraft safety before planes are cleared for passenger use.
Bishop Jackson Yemba of Victory Christian Church described the crash as unprecedented in the county’s recent history and commended local authorities for organising a collective day of mourning and prayer.
Discussions during the meeting also highlighted challenges in identifying some of the victims.
Community members said the condition of the bodies may require DNA verification, particularly for non-South Sudanese victims, including two individuals believed to be from Kenya.
County officials noted that coordination with authorities in Juba and abroad will be necessary before repatriation or burial arrangements for foreign nationals can be finalised.
Several families of the deceased have expressed a preference for a unified burial site in Yei, proposing that the victims be laid to rest collectively in a designated area due to their shared ties to the community. Others, however, emphasised the need for broad consultation to ensure that all cultural and religious practices are respected.
In response, county authorities announced the formation of a steering committee to oversee the process.
The committee, led by the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Yei, includes representatives from government, religious institutions, civil society, and community elders. Its mandate is to engage bereaved families, coordinate with relevant authorities, and guide funeral arrangements.
The commissioner urged residents to remain united during the mourning period and called on the committee to work closely with families to ensure a dignified and inclusive process.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.