Former long-serving commissioner of Unity State’s Mayendit County, Maj. Gen. James Gatluak Chuol, died in India on Monday, Jan. 12, following a brief illness, his family said.
Gatluak served as commissioner of Mayendit County from 2001 to 2009 and again from 2012 to 2013, until his removal at the onset of South Sudan’s first civil war. He also served as commander of the SPLA-IO Division Four (B) in southern Unity State until his death.
Born on Feb. 12, 1967, in Kangkoi town of Rubkuay Payam, Mayendit County, Gatluak is survived by several wives and children, the family said.
“Our beloved father, commander and patriarch departed from us on Monday, 12th January 2026, in India, where he was undergoing treatment following a heart attack,” the family said in a statement.
The family said Gatluak first fell ill on Dec. 18, 2025, while at his post at Rubkong military barracks in Leer County.
“While we grapple with this immense and sudden loss, we find solace in the legacy of strength, leadership and love he leaves behind,” the statement said. “He was not only a respected commander but also our guiding light, a wonderful father and a cherished friend.”
SPLM/A-IO acting chairperson Oyet Nathaniel said in a separate statement that South Sudan, and particularly the people of Mayendit County, had lost a dedicated leader.
“He will be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the liberation struggle and for championing justice, democracy and the unity of all South Sudanese,” Oyet said.
Meanwhile, Mayendit County Commissioner John Matip Gatluok confirmed Gatluak’s death, describing him as a former long-serving commissioner and Division 4B commander of the SPLA-IO loyal to Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the suspended first vice president.
Gatluok said Gatluak would be deeply missed by the community for his development efforts, including the construction of a road linking Rumbek to Mayendit County in 2007, which improved access between the area and Juba.
“The death of James Gatluak Chuol is very unfortunate for the people of Mayendit County,” Gatluok said, adding that Gatluak’s body would be transported from India to Juba on this week, before being flown over the weekend to Rukuach, his home area, with the aircraft expected to land at Tutnyang Payam airstrip.
“My condolences go to his relatives, friends and the entire community of Mayendit County,” Gatluok said.
Samuel Gai Riak, chief of Tutnyang Payam in Mayendit County, described Gatluak as a good leader whose legacy would endure.
“During Gatluak’s leadership in Mayendit, we had no border disputes with Warrap State, Lakes State or neighboring counties in Unity State such as Panyijiar, Leer and Koch,” Gai said. “There were no major security problems, and the road he constructed connecting Rumbek to Mayendit County was one of his most important achievements.”
“We are going to miss all those important contributions made by the late Gatluak,” he added.