The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Government (SPLM-IG), led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has strongly condemned the killing of Akobo County Commissioner James Kueth during recent fighting in Walgak Payam, northern Jonglei State.
The commissioner was reportedly killed on Sunday after forces affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), loyal to detained First Vice President Dr Riek Machar, allegedly overran Walgak town.
The SPLM-IG convened an emergency meeting in Juba on Monday to discuss the escalating clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and SPLM-IO forces in northern Jonglei. The meeting, attended by members of the party’s Political Bureau at the SPLM-IG headquarters, confirmed the commissioner’s death.
In a statement issued after the meeting, SPLM-IG Secretary-General Dr Paul Kordit said the party leadership stood in solidarity with the family of the late Commissioner James Kueth.
“The leadership of the SPLM-IG stands with the family of the late commissioner during this difficult time,” the statement said, while condemning what it described as the killing of the commissioner by SPLM-IO troops during coordinated military operations in Walgak Payam.
The party called on SPLM-IO forces to refrain from further violence and pursue a path of dialogue and national unity. It also urged the international community and South Sudan’s peace partners to condemn the killing.
Fighting reportedly intensified in West Walgak Payam, Akobo County, where government forces are said to have suffered losses. Oz Arab Media contacted SPLM-IO sources following claims that their forces were advancing towards Uror County and other areas as part of an effort to take control of northern Jonglei.
However, the source contacted did not confirm the claims or provide further details about the reported military advance.
