South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has strongly condemned the killing of Akobo County Commissioner James Kueth Makuach, describing it as a “brutal” act, and called on armed groups to renounce violence in favour of peaceful dialogue.

Makuach, who also served as SPLM chairperson for Akobo County, was killed on Sunday during clashes between government forces and the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Walgak Payam.

He had relocated to Walgak after opposition forces recaptured Akobo town in April, where the area was serving as the temporary administrative headquarters for the county.

Speaking after an emergency meeting at the SPLM headquarters in Juba, the party’s Secretary-General, Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, expressed condolences to the families of Makuach and other officials who died in the fighting.

“The brutal killing of the commissioner of Akobo County is strongly condemned by the SPLM in the strongest possible terms,” Kordit said.

He urged all armed groups, soldiers, and opposition factions to stop the violence, warning that there is “no future in violence.”

Kordit appealed to them to resolve political differences through dialogue instead of continued fighting.

The SPLM also called on regional and international partners to condemn the killing and what it described as the mistreatment of the commissioner’s body.

On behalf of President Salva Kiir, the SPLM leadership, and party members, Kordit extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, describing Makuach as a dedicated public servant and committed party leader in Akobo.

He concluded by calling for calm, reconciliation, and national unity amid renewed insecurity in parts of Jonglei State.