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| SSPDF |
Date: October 10, 2025
Location: Cueibet County, Lakes State, South Sudan
Cueibet, Lakes State Two civilians were fatally shot by members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Cueibet County late Thursday night, a government official confirmed Friday.
The killings triggered a retaliatory armed attack by local youth, resulting in the death of one soldier.
Sequence of Events
According to William Koji Kerjok, the acting State Minister of Information, the incident unfolded after a military officer reported being “surrounded” and requested assistance.
When responding SSPDF units arrived, they encountered a gathering of more than 40 armed youth, and an exchange of gunfire ensued. Kerjok said:
“In the process, two of these armed youth were killed.”
“When the soldiers returned to their base, the armed youth attacked in retaliation, killing one soldier.”
The state government says the situation is now “contained” and that security forces are actively patrolling the area.
The officer who made the initial call (a Major) and the homeowner where the youth had assembled have both been arrested, and a full investigation into the incident has been launched.
Conflicting Local Accounts
Local youth representatives contest the official version. Chol Deng, a youth leader in Cueibet, claims the two deceased civilians were unarmed and dining at around 10 p.m. in their family compound when soldiers, led by Capt.
Panachuol, entered and opened fire without warning. He also alleges a dispute erupted with the homeowner prior to the shooting.
Deng further asserts that the youth presence in the town was protective not offensive meant to guard a local chief amid longstanding inter-communal tensions. He identifies the victims as Chol Dut Ruai and his nephew Makuer Yom Dut Ruai.
Colonel Panachuol is said to be a relative of Rin Tueny Mabor, Governor of Lakes State.
State Security & Regional Implications
Lakes State has been prone to periodic violence tied to cattle raiding, land disputes, and communal conflict.
The government’s declaration that it will investigate "why they are in the town" suggests scrutiny over whether the youth had legitimate grounds to be armed or whether their presence was misconstrued.
At the national level, this episode underscores the fragile balance between military authority, civilian protection, and community tensions in South Sudan’s volatile regions.
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