The acting Speaker of South Sudan’s Council of States, Mary Ayen Majok, has called on authorities to urgently speed up investigations into the killing of opposition lawmaker Luka Mathen Toupiny Luk, who was shot dead in the capital, Juba.
In a message of condolence issued on Monday, Madam Majok described the killing as a major loss to the country and urged security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
She said the leadership of the Council of States was calling on “relevant authorities to expedite the investigation process, bring the culprits to book and ensure justice for the late Luka Mathen”.
Mathen, 36, was attacked by gunmen near his home in the Gudele area of Juba at about 10pm on Saturday, according to family members and colleagues.
Police later confirmed that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing. They did not provide further details, saying investigations were continuing.
Mathen represented Cueibet County in Lakes State in the Council of States, the upper house of parliament, and chaired its specialised committee on education, science, research and technology.
The acting speaker praised him as a dedicated public servant who had served with commitment and distinction, saying he would be remembered for his oversight work and contribution to national development.
“His death is a great loss not only to his family and Lakes State, but to the entire nation,” she said, adding that the Council stands in solidarity with his loved ones.
Mathen was a member of the United Sudan African Party (USAP), part of the Other Political Parties (OPP) coalition, which is a signatory to South Sudan’s 2018 revitalised peace agreement.
He was appointed to the Council of States after the 2018 peace deal and had previously worked as a court clerk.