South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) on Monday condemned the killing of Akobo County Commissioner James Kueth Makuach during fighting in Walgak, describing it as a “brutal” act and urging armed groups to abandon violence in favour of dialogue.
Makuach, who also served as SPLM chairperson in Akobo County, was killed on Sunday during clashes between government forces and the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Walgak Payam, where he had relocated after opposition forces recaptured Akobo town in April.
The government-appointed commissioner had been operating from Walgak, which was serving as the temporary administrative headquarters of Akobo County following the loss of the county headquarters.
Speaking after an emergency meeting at the SPLM headquarters in Juba, the party’s Secretary-General, Akol Paul Kordit, offered condolences to the families of Makuach and other officials killed in the fighting.
“The brutal killing of the commissioner of Akobo County is strongly condemned by the SPLM in the strongest possible terms,” Kordit said.
The fighting erupted after SPLA-IO forces launched an attack on government positions around Walgak. The opposition has publicly confirmed the commissioner’s death.
Kordit urged all armed groups to halt the violence and pursue peaceful means of resolving political disputes.
“We want to urge soldiers carrying guns, whether they are individuals, organisations or opposition groups, that there is no future in violence,” he said. “We appeal to all of you to cease killing your fellow citizens.”
“If you have a political programme for this country, then accept peace through dialogue,” he added. “We call for dialogue as the means of resolving our disputes in this country.”
Kordit also called on regional and international partners to condemn the killing and what he described as the mistreatment of the commissioner’s body.
“We want the international community, regional partners and peace partners in this country to clearly condemn this act,” he said.
On behalf of President Salva Kiir, the SPLM leadership and party members, Kordit extended condolences to the bereaved families, describing Makuach as a dedicated public servant and party leader in Akobo.
“We convey our message of condolence to the family of the late commissioner and those who died with him in this brutal act,” he said. “We ask the family to be strong as we mourn our colleague.”
He concluded by calling for calm, reconciliation and national unity as South Sudan faces renewed insecurity in parts of Jonglei State.
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