JUBA – At least two mourners were killed and four others injured after unknown armed assailants ambushed a vehicle carrying funeral mourners along the Mundri–Juba Road in South Sudan on Monday, local authorities said.
The attack occurred at Wiroh, Mundri East County, while the group was travelling to attend a funeral when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle before fleeing the scene.
According to a press statement issued by the commissioner of Mundri East County, Daite B. Mathew, the ambush occurred between Doroh and Buägyi while the vehicle was travelling to Juba after attending a burial.
The deceased were identified as Saliwa Abau Emmanuel and Medina Stephen Khamis.
The injured include Yakoub Salibuno Manase, Susan Arito Edward, Margret Khamis Olivia, and Cicilia Jackson Bullen.
Commissioner Mathew said security forces were immediately alerted and deployed to the scene, adding that personnel are pursuing the attackers.
“The security forces were immediately notified and deployed by the county authority to contain the situation. As we speak, security forces are in pursuit of the criminals,” the statement said.
Mathew condemned what it described as a ‘barbaric attack’ targeting unarmed civilians traveling along the highway and promised swift action to bring those responsible to justice.
Mathew also expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, extending condolences to the relatives of those killed and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The latest ambush comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of South Sudan as the country prepares for its anticipated elections scheduled for December 2026.
In recent months, several areas have witnessed armed attacks on civilians, intercommunal violence, road ambushes, and clashes involving armed groups, raising fears over public safety and freedom of movement.
Security analysts and observers have warned that improving security will be critical to creating an environment conducive to peaceful elections.
The government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen security deployments and protect civilians, while urging communities to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
Investigations into Monday’s attack are ongoing, and the identities of the assailants remain unknown.
