How SSPDF soldiers burnt an opposition officer alive

BENTIU – A disturbing video emerged online showing South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers burning a rebel officer alive, sparking outrage, and prompting an investigation.

The rebel, Brigadier General Gatluak Majiok of the South Sudan People’s Movement/Army (SSPM/A), was burned in a hut located at Kaikang, north of Unity State’s Mayom County headquarters Mayom.

Majiok and three other officers – Major Nyuon Garang Kuol, Major-General Pur Aruop Kuol, and another unidentified officer – were arrested in Sudan on Sunday before being repatriated to South Sudan.

They were accused of orchestrating an attack that killed Mayom County Commissioner Chuol Gatluak Manimeh, the elder brother of presidential security advisor Tut Gatluak, and 12 others following an early morning attack on 12 July.

The graphic video, which surfaced online on Tuesday, shows the blindfolded and handcuffed Majiok alongside a line of armed SSPDF soldiers.

Another scene depicts a group of senior military and government officials, including the Unity State governor, observing the execution.

Three of the captured soldiers were reportedly executed by firing squad, while Majiok was subjected to the particularly brutal killing.

The video captures Majiok conversing with his captors in Nuer language before his execution.

“My friend, there is no problem, you remain in peace…and take care of our country, although you… people…” Majiok said in his final words, adding, “Duoth (an unidentified SSPDF officer)! The money you have now, even if you deny it, your money will finish.”

An order is then given to chain Majiok, with a response suggesting the chain should be burned with him. He resigns himself to his fate, stating, “even if you don’t tie me, I will never run out of this hut.” He is subsequently silenced with a command to “shut up!”

Majiok then asks, “whatever you are doing, is this the government?”

Responding to the video, SSPDF spokesperson Gen. Lul Ruai Koang condemned the incident on Tuesday morning. He stated that the Chief of Defense Forces has directed a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible.

“The SSPDF General Headquarters is aware of the footage,” Koang said. “Following consultations, the Chief of Defense Forces has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine who authorized this execution.”

“This act does not reflect our legacy,” Koang continued. “During the SPLA era, we were known for capturing prisoners of war, treating them humanely, and often in accordance with the Geneva Convention. What transpired in Mayom County is unacceptable. The Chief of Defense Forces has vowed to hold those behind this killing accountable.”