Rebel deputy military chief who abandoned Cirilo less than two weeks ago killed near DR Congo

JUBA – South Sudan opposition commander General Saki James who resigned from holdout opposition National Salvation Front (NAS) led by General Thomas Cirilo Swaka less than two weeks ago as the group’s deputy chief of staff for administration and the NAS operation commander in Western Equatoria state has been killed near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

General Saki James Palaoko resigned in a letter extended to Sudans Post on February 1, 2021, from the National Salvation Front without stating why he was resigning, but said “I wish NAS and its leadership a good journey in the struggle.”

“This letter is intended to serve as my official resignation from NAS. I served in the leadership of NAS from 12/09/2017 diligently till to date and hence forth I am cutting ties from NAS with all my forces of Western Equatorial Command,” General Saki added in the resignation letter addressed to General Thomas Cirilo Swaka.

In a statement this afternoon, General Thomas Cirilo’s press aide Suba Emmanuel announced the death of the former opposition commander, but did not explain who was behind General Saki’s death, instead calling for investigation for his killing condemning his death which the opposition official said took place near South Sudan border with the Democratic Republic of  Congo.

“The Leadership and members of the National Salvation Front (NAS) have learned of the death of Gen. Saki James Palaoko, former NAS commander of Maridi Area Command. According to the information received, Gen. Saki James Palaoko was killed in Congo DRC,” Suba said in the statement.

“NAS condemns the killing of Gen. Palaoko and urges investigation by the authorities in the area. The National Salvation Front conveys heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of Gen. Saki Palaoko, relatives, friends and colleagues,” he added in the statement.

He further added: “May the Almighty God rest his soul in Eternal Peace.”