Two killed in attack on SPLM delegates in South Sudan
Gunmen ambushed a vehicle carrying ruling party delegates in Western Equatoria State, leaving two dead and others missing.
At least two people were killed and one critically injured when gunmen attacked a vehicle carrying ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) delegates in Miri Loko village, Western Equatoria State, on Thursday night. The delegates were travelling from Lui Payam to Mundri West County after party primaries and congresses when the ambush occurred around 9 p.m. Several other delegates reportedly fled into nearby bushes during the attack.
Veronica Lucy Gordon, a former journalist nominated for a women’s seat in the National Legislative Assembly, and Justin Akim, a former teacher and elder, were among those killed. The critically injured delegate is receiving treatment at Lui Hospital. Deng Dau Deng, chairperson of the SPLM High-Level Committee in Western Equatoria, confirmed the incident and extended condolences to the families. The state’s Minister of Information, Noah Issah Philip, condemned the violence and urged an end to attacks on roads.
The attack occurred amid SPLM primaries and county congresses ahead of South Sudan’s general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. Commissioner of Mundri East County, Daite Matthew Bakhieth, confirmed two deaths and other injuries, stating the situation was normal for now. The Western Equatoria State caretaker government expressed concern over the safety of political delegates and road users.
Why it mattersPolitical delegates travelling for party primaries were attacked, resulting in two deaths and raising security concerns ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections.