January, 21 2026
The South Sudanese government is under increasing pressure to thoroughly investigate the killing of Engineer Conty Okot, a senior Ministry of Petroleum official, after he was shot dead in Juba on Monday, January 19, 2026, while travelling in his official vehicle along the Custom–Rock City Road. The vehicle was found riddled with bullets, raising questions about whether the attack was a targeted assassination.
Okot, a respected civil servant recently appointed Managing Director of the South Sudan Pipeline Company Limited, was one of the longest-serving officials in the Ministry of Petroleum. His death has sparked widespread concern among communities and civil society actors, who are demanding clarity and accountability from the authorities.
Radio Tamazuj quoted relatives saying the family has opened a case but is still collecting verified details before issuing a formal statement, noting that much of the early information circulating was unconfirmed. The family has appealed for truth and transparency as investigations continue.
Observers and community leaders have criticised the lack of an official statement from police or government investigators, warning that prolonged silence could further erode public confidence in the rule of law.
The killing comes amid a backdrop of broader insecurity in and around Juba. For example, in May 2025 a Somali national was killed in an armed ambush on the Juba–Terekeka highway, underscoring dangers faced by civilians and travellers in volatile areas north of the capital.
South Sudan has also experienced violent unrest and civilian deaths linked to ethnic and regional tensions, including protests and clashes that left multiple people dead in Juba and other parts of the country in early 2025.
Historically, Juba itself has seen outbreaks of conflict and targeted violence during periods of political crisis — such as the Battle of Juba in 2016, when heavy gunfire erupted between rival forces loyal to leading political figures, resulting in civilian casualties and heightening fears about security in the capital.
Civil society groups and rights advocates have stressed that the safety of public officials and civilians alike remains precarious if incidents like Okot’s killing go unresolved. They argue that a transparent investigation and timely judicial action are essential to restoring faith in justice institutions.
Nile Gazette
