James Kueth Makuach who was killed on Sunday, 5 July 2026
BOR – The Jonglei State Government of South Sudan said on Tuesday that the killing of Akobo County Commissioner James Kueth Makuach undermines peace and poses a serious threat to public security in the state.
James Kueth Makuach was killed on Sunday, 5 July 2026, during an attack allegedly carried out by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Walgak, Akobo County, Jonglei State.
He said he was killed alongside his executive director of Akobo County and security officer, Brig. Gen. Chuol Pathol Jal.
In a statement issued on Monday, Nyamar Lony Thichot, Information Minister of Jonglei State, said the commissioner’s killing was a criminal act that risks reversing efforts to promote stability and reconciliation in Jonglei.
“The government of Jonglei State strongly condemns this heinous and cowardly act of violence against civilians and public officials. Such criminal acts undermine peace, threaten public security, and endanger the rule of law,” Lony said in a statement issued on Monday.
She said the killing was not only an attack on a public official but also an assault on the rule of law and the state’s ongoing efforts to foster peaceful coexistence among communities.
“The government of Jonglei State expresses its profound sorrow and deep condemnation following the tragic assassination of Hon. James Kueth Makuach, Commissioner of Akobo County; Mr. Tut Chai Riek, Executive Director of Akobo County; and Brig. Gen. Chuol Pathol Jal during an attack that occurred in Walgak in the early hours of Sunday, July 5, 2026,” she said.
Lony said that, according to information received by the state government, the attack was allegedly carried out by disgruntled members of the SPLM-IO under the leadership of Oyet Nathaniel Pierino.
“This deliberate attack against civilians and public officials constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and amounts to a crime against immunity under the international,” she said.
She said violence and political intolerance have no place in a democratic society and must never be used as a means of resolving political differences.
“We, therefore, call upon the national government and all peace partners to unequivocally condemn these heinous acts.”
Lony called on the national government to strengthen efforts to ensure those responsible are held accountable and to reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding civilians and upholding the rule of law across South Sudan.
“The government of Jonglei State further urges all political leaders, partners, and their supporters to exercise restraint, reject violence in all its forms, and refrain from inflammatory rhetoric that could escalate tension or incite further conflict,” she said.
“Political competition must be conducted through peaceful and lawful means. We also appeal to the people of Jonglei State, particularly the residents of Akobo County, to remain calm, maintain peace, and cooperate with relevant security and law enforcement agencies.”
