The Abyei Civil Society Organization (ACSO) is calling on the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) to promptly investigate the alleged “attempted murder of the Abyei Special Administrative Area Minister of Local Government and Rumamer County commissioner.”

According to reports, SSPDF forces deployed in Agok and Aneet, aimed at safeguarding the Abyei-Twic border amid violent conflicts, allegedly fired shots on Friday at Ayuel Kiir, the commissioner of Rumamer County, while he was receiving Adhieth Weng, the Abyei area minister for Local Government, who had arrived from Juba.

In a press conference on Monday, the ACSO urged the SSPDF leadership to swiftly establish a committee to probe the incident and relocate the forces from public institutions to allow civilians to access services.

Arop Ajuong, Chairperson of the Abyei Civil Society Organization (ACSO), is urging the leadership of the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) to promptly investigate the shooting incident and withdraw forces from public institutions to ensure smooth service delivery operations.

“As ACSO, along with local chiefs, we immediately visited the scene three hours after the incident occurred. We spoke with the area commander, Major General Joseph Kuai, regarding the matter. The commander stated that he did not inform military authorities promptly but assured us that he would do so later,” Ajuong explained.

Ajuong strongly condemned the incident, noting its resemblance to previous incidents that resulted in the deaths of Abyei’s former deputy chief administrator, former minister for Local Government, and former minister for Land and Housing in past years.

He also called on the forces deployed at the Twic-Abyei borders to vacate government institutions, allowing civil servants to resume their work for the public’s benefit.

“We urge the prompt formation of an investigation committee to probe the circumstances leading to the shooting of senior government officials so that perpetrators can face justice,” Ajuong explained.

“And if we ask ourselves when residents will be able to return to their original places in Rumamer county, it is difficult to answer because SSPDF forces have occupied hospitals, schools, private residences, and churches. Therefore, we appeal to army commanders to evacuate these public institutions,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ayuel Kiir, the injured Commissioner of Rumamer County, spoke to Radio Tamazuj from his hospital bed, stating that his treatment is progressing well, and he is eager to resume his duties after recovering.

“I am confident that I will recover from my wounds. The bullet hit my chest and exited through my back. Here’s what happened: I was at Agok Airstrip waiting for the Abyei Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies. I noticed that all the SSPDF soldiers had their guns cocked. When I asked the captain three times why their guns were cocked, he didn’t respond. I then approached a colonel about the matter, and after the colonel spoke to the captain, he came back to me for a report. Suddenly, they began shooting at me and my bodyguards,” Kiir recounted.

“Three people were killed in the incident: one female police officer, one male police officer, and another individual who was sick and needed transportation to Abyei for treatment. Tragically, he was shot dead in the police pickup truck. People scattered, and our vehicles, as well as those belonging to the minister and administrators, were taken, along with money and other belongings,” he explained.

Kiir suspects that armed individuals from Twic County were responsible for the shooting. “These assailants are not regular SSPDF soldiers. When the first battalion arrived here, I welcomed them because they are my comrades in the army. I find it hard to believe they would shoot at me, a commissioner. These individuals may be armed elements from Twic County wearing SSPDF uniforms,” he speculated.

SSPDF Spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang could not immediately be reached for comment.