SSPDF commander killed in celebratory gunfire in Unity State

BENTIU – A senior South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) officer was killed on Thursday evening by celebratory gunfire at a cattle camp in western Unity State, the military’s fourth infantry division has confirmed.

Speaking to Sudans Post today, SSPDF 4^th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Manyang Mayak said Brig. Gen. Manywiir Malual Turoal, commander of the SSPDF brigade stationed at Mandier in Mankien Payam of Mayom County, was killed in a celebratory gunfire marking the arrival of a local spiritual leader.

Mayak emphasized during an interview with Sudans Post today that the gunfire was a spontaneous expression of joy, not malicious intent. The cattle camp is about a five-hour walk from Mayom town.

“Brig. Gen. Monywiir was killed by armed youth yesterday, but it was not intentional. The armed youth were celebrating the arrival of a spiritual leader into the cattle camp by firing guns,” General Manyang said.

“So, it was like a crossfire death, and we are searching for those armed youth who fired guns during the celebration of the spiritual leader,” General Mayak added.

The general clarified that there was no direct confrontation between the armed youths and SSPDF forces stationed around Mandier Cattle Camp. He attributed the incident to unskilled handling of firearms during the celebration.

“There was no gunfire exchange shooting between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces division four brigade under the command of Monywiir Malual and the armed youths,” General Manyang said.

“What happened was a celebration of the spiritual leader with gun shooting on air and barraging on air, but because the armed youths are not professional in holding guns that is why this incident happened,” he added.

This is at least the second time in a year that celebratory gunfire has claimed a high-profile life at the Mandier cattle camp.

Just last year, Gen. Manywiir’s predecessor was killed in a similar incident. Additionally, another senior officer lost his life in Guit County due to retaliatory violence along the main roads connecting Guit town and Bentiu town last year.

General Manyang further said that authorities are working to identify and hold accountable those responsible for Brigadier General Manywiir’s accidental death.