At least two people were killed, one critically injured and several others reported missing after an attack on a vehicle carrying ruling SPLM delegates in Western Equatoria State.
The attack occurred at about 9 p.m. on Thursday in Miri Loko village, Mundri East County, as the delegates travelled from Lui Payam to Mundri West County after attending party primaries and congresses, according to officials.
Those killed included Veronica Lucy Gordon, a former South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) journalist who had recently been nominated to contest for a women’s seat in the National Legislative Assembly, and Justin, a former teacher and elder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
One person was critically injured and was receiving treatment at Lui Hospital, while several other delegates reportedly fled into nearby bushes during the attack.
Speaking to journalists in Yambio on Friday, Deng Dau Deng, chairperson of the SPLM High-Level Committee in Western Equatoria, confirmed three security incidents reported during the party’s ongoing primaries and county congresses.
Deng said the state had generally remained peaceful, despite two incidents in Tambura County and Thursday’s attack in Greater Mundri.
He said an ambush occurred in Mapoi Payam, Tambura County, on November 6, followed by another incident on November 10, about nine miles from Tambura town, while SPLM county congresses were taking place at Freedom Square.
He also confirmed the attack on delegates returning to Mundri West after participating in party activities in Lui, Mundri East County.
“On behalf of the SPLM High-Level Committee in Western Equatoria State, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and SPLM membership in Mundri East County following this tragic loss of lives and injuries,” Deng said.
The Western Equatoria State caretaker government condemned the attack, expressing concern over the deaths and injuries.
In a statement, the state’s Minister of Information, Communication and Telecommunication, Noah Issah Philip, called on armed individuals attacking vehicles along roads to stop the violence.
“Citizens have the right to move from one place to another and take part in political activities without fear of being attacked,” Philip said.
He urged residents to maintain peace as South Sudan prepares for general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026, saying political differences should not lead to loss of life.
“Political differences should never be a reason for anyone to lose their life,” he said.
Philip extended condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Daite Matthew Bakhieth, commissioner of Mundri East County, separately confirmed receiving reports of two deaths and other injuries.
“Two have been killed and others injured. I will update the media on the incident once more credible information becomes available. For now, the situation is normal,” Bakhieth said.
The attack comes amid SPLM primaries and county congresses ahead of South Sudan’s planned December 22, 2026, general elections, raising concerns over the security of political delegates and other road users in parts of Western Equatoria.
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