South Sudan: Security forces kill alleged rebel leader in Lakes State on June 14

Event

Government sources announced that an alleged rebel leader was killed on Sunday, June 14, during a security operation in the Rumbek East area of Lakes State. Kerbino Agok Wol, who had announced the formation of a new armed opposition group known as the 7th October Movement on June 5, was reportedly shot dead by South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) along with two of his supporters in the village of Ayen Mayar in a planned security operation. Two other people at the same residence were wounded in the incident. An SSPDF spokesperson stated that the operation had been intelligence-led, but it is currently unclear what prompted the assault.

Further security operations are possible in the area in the near term.

Context

A former member of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) during the Sudanese Civil War, Kerbino Agok Wol became a successful and influential businessman following South Sudan's independence in 2011. However, he was arrested in 2018 after falling out with President Salva Kiir and incarcerated in the Blue House prison in Juba. After being released under a political amnesty in January 2020, Wol had continued to voice opposition to Kiir and the new Transitional Government of National Unity.

Advice

Those in South Sudan are advised to monitor local media sources for related developments and heed all directives issued by local authorities and their home governments.