At least two people have reportedly been killed and several others remain missing following a gun attack on a vehicle carrying Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) delegates travelling from Lui in Mundri East County to Mundri West County on Thursday night.
The attack reportedly occurred at around 9:00 PM Central Africa Time in Miri Loko village, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on the vehicle transporting the delegates.
Among those killed was Veronica Lucy Gordon, a former female journalist with the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), who had recently secured an SPLM nomination to contest for a women’s seat in the National Legislative Assembly.
The second victim was identified as Justin, an elderly former teacher in Mundri West and an elder of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church.
One person reportedly sustained critical injuries and is receiving medical treatment at Lui Hospital.
Following the shooting, some members of the delegation reportedly fled into the nearby bush, while others managed to reach their intended destination.
Several individuals, however, remain unaccounted for.
The attack comes amid ongoing SPLM primary elections across South Sudan ahead of the anticipated general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
Greater Mundri, particularly Mundri East and Mundri West counties, has experienced persistent insecurity since the outbreak of conflict in 2013, with recurring security incidents continuing to affect communities in the area.
Speaking to Mundri-based Amadi FM, Western Equatoria State Caretaker Minister of Information and Communication, Noah Issa, said attempts to contact the caretaker commissioners of Mundri East and Mundri West had been unsuccessful because their telephone lines were busy.
Issa said he would provide further information to the public once credible details became available.
The incident has reportedly sent shockwaves through communities in Greater Mundri, renewing concerns about the security situation as political activities intensify ahead of the December elections.
The circumstances surrounding the attack, the identities of those still missing and the motive behind the shooting remain unclear.
Stay tuned for more details
