The Commissioner of Mundri East County in Western Equatoria State, Margret Fozia Emmanuel, has reported that her residence in the Kediba area of Mundri was attacked by SPLM-IO forces on Monday night.
This incident follows President Salva Kiir’s recent decision to dismiss Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba, the governor of Western Equatoria State, a prominent member of the opposition SPLM-IO faction led by First Vice President Riek Machar.
On Monday evening, President Kiir issued a series of decrees, unilaterally removing several senior government officials who had been appointed under the terms of the 2018 peace agreement.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan 13 years ago, quickly descended into civil war after a fallout between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. After five years of conflict, the two leaders signed a power-sharing agreement, but its implementation has faced numerous challenges.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Commissioner Margret reported that the attackers looted her property, including firearms, money, and other valuables. She stated that the assailants broke down a door and made off with approximately 20 million South Sudanese pounds.
“I don’t know who gave the order to them. We don’t have local radio or TV; we only depend on phone calls for information,” she said.
The individuals reportedly responsible for the attack and security in the area are named as Julius Doboi, Jackson Aduha, Benson Bidal, and Gordon Gatluak, she added.
Despite the looting, the commissioner, who is a member of the SPLM Party led by President Salva Kiir, confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. She speculated that the attack could have been a reaction to the removal of the state governor, Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba.
“That’s why they came and attacked my house and detained my four soldiers,” she explained.
In an appeal to the South Sudanese government, Commissioner Margret called for accountability for those responsible. “Why did the soldiers of Kediba attack my house? I want the government to arrest them and bring them to justice,” she urged. “If these are indeed SPLM-IO soldiers, they should not have acted this way, and they should face the law.”
Meanwhile, Western Equatoria Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu clarified that the commissioner was not present during the attack. However, he confirmed that her residence was broken into, and government machinery, personal belongings, and other property were looted.
He assured that the situation was being addressed, saying, “I have been in communication with her to discuss possible solutions. Starting tomorrow, I will take charge of the situation in Emory and engage with the SPLA-IO forces involved.”
Badagbu, a member of the ruling SPLM Party, emphasized the need for peace, stating, “I don’t want any more conflict in any part of Western Equatoria. Our people are tired of war. We need peace, and we need to work together to ensure that our youth are engaged in productive activities, not in wars orchestrated by some warlords. It’s time to focus on farming and other productive ventures that can benefit our community.”
The SPLA-IO commander in Western Equatoria State could not immediately be reached for comment.