A group of South Sudanese artists in Ethiopia has condemned the killing of journalist Pow James and his friend Yohannis Pal Kuek in Akobo earlier this week. They called on authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In an announcement the group stated, “The South Sudan Artists’ Association in Ethiopia(SSAAE) has condemned the killing of a senior accountant Mr. Yahannis Pal Kuek who recently obtained his MA in economic and a journalist Mr. Puok James [Pow James], who worked for Radio Tamazuj in Akobo.

“This incident is the most horrific incident in the history of Akobo county. Losing young educated men like this is a great lost to Akobo in particular and South Sudan in general.”

The artists appealed to the families of the victims to wait for local authorities to discharge their duties to bring the perpetrators to justice. They also appealed to Akobo County authorities to investigate the incident and apprehend the culprits.

Paul Ruot Bayoch, the secretary of the association who recently visited Akobo County, said he was shocked by the death of the two educated young men in Akobo.

He urged the local authorities to take “serious measures” against the slayers. He also called on the perpetrators “to cease targeting educated people in inter-clan conflict.”

“Local people need to understand that we're here to work for them. If they turn to killing educated people, we'll escape and no one will serve them. We came from different countries to give services to our people. Not that we can be targeted in the inter-clan fighting.”

Signed by the association chairman Khor Deng Jang, deputy Lual Tuach Dojiok and secretary Paul Ruot Bayoch, the statement finally offered condolences to the families of both Yahannis Pal Kuek and Puok James and wished their sons to rest in peace.

Photo: Puok James

Related:

Press release: Radio Tamazuj condemns killing of its correspondent in Akobo (21 May)