Unacceptable Illegal Presidential Contender Garang Demands Accountability From Juba Regime And International Community 1
Democracy on the Brink: MP Mathen’s Assassination and Presidential Candidate Nathaniel Garang’s Call for Accountability Ahead of 2026 Polls
JUBA, South Sudan – The brutal assassination of opposition Member of Parliament Luka Mathen Toupiny Luk has cast a dark shadow over South Sudan’s already precarious journey toward its first-ever general elections in December 2026. This act of violence, targeting a sitting member of the Council of States, has drawn sharp condemnation from presidential contender Hon. Nathaniel Garang Aduotdit, who characterized the killing as a grave threat to the nation’s fragile democratic future.
In an exclusive interview with Ethio Insight Media, Hon. Garang not only condemned the murder but also laid bare his vision for a reformed South Sudan, arguing that the regime’s actions are deliberately designed to destabilize the electoral process.
The Assassination: A Sign of Autocracy
Hon. Nathaniel Garang Aduotdit did not mince words when discussing MP Mathen’s death in the capital. He denounced the act as “brutal and inhuman,” labeling it “unacceptable, illegal, and an indication of the regime’s anti-democracy.”
The presidential candidate asserted that the assassination was a calculated move by the ruling regime “to disturb the coming national election.” The targeting of a vocal legislator, he stressed, “raises profound questions about security, the rule of law, and the widening chasm between the ruling regime and the political opposition.”
Calling for immediate and decisive action, Hon. Garang issued a powerful challenge to the Juba government: “The handling of the investigation into MP Mathen’s death will be a critical litmus test for the Juba government: will they pursue a transparent and genuine path to justice, or will the silence allow the darkest allegations to solidify as truth? The accountability must be applied in South Sudan.” He emphasized that the murder represents a “serious threat to the fragile democratic space intended by the Revitalised Peace Agreement.”
The 2026 Mandate: A Vision for Renewal
Despite the political turmoil, Hon. Nathaniel Garang Aduotdit remains focused on the December 2026 general elections a defining moment for the young nation. He outlined a clear agenda for democratic renewal and citizen-centered development:
1. Electoral Integrity and Accountability
Hon. Garang believes that a credible future for South Sudan hinges on the integrity of the electoral system. His core reform goal is to strengthen electoral independence, ensuring that voting processes are transparent, professional, and shielded from political interference. He insists that institutions safeguarding democracy must be robust enough to guarantee that the people’s will is respected and upheld.
2. Youth-Centered Development
Recognizing the youth as the nation’s majority, the candidate places them at the center of his platform. His priorities include:
- Expanding political space for youth participation in governance.
- Creating jobs and meaningful economic opportunities.
- Encouraging direct involvement of young people in national leadership.
3. Economic Transparency and Institution Building
A central pillar of his philosophy is the transition from personality-driven politics to a professional, system-based state.
- He advocates for transparency in public resource management and robust support for the private sector.
- By welcoming credible international and local investors, he aims to unlock economic potential and develop industries that benefit South Sudanese citizens first.
4. Peace, Unity, and Sovereignty
Hon. Garang’s vision is founded on building a stable and calm environment.
- He hopes to establish a setting that encourages the return of the diaspora to invest and contribute to national rebuilding.
- He calls for a Nation-First approach focused on harmony and collective progress, minimizing political rivalries.
- Crucially, he warned the nation to remain vigilant against foreign entities that profit from instability and internal political divisions, vowing to protect national sovereignty.
5. Modern Education and Civic Awareness
The presidential contender proposed a radical reform of the education sector, calling for a modernized curriculum that integrates:
- Digital technology and Artificial Intelligence.
- Creative arts and cultural industries.
- He also stressed the need for stronger civic awareness so that citizens can exercise their democratic rights freely and without intimidation.
An Urgent Call to the International Community
In his conclusion to Ethio Insight Media, Hon. Garang reiterated his demand for a rigorous, independent investigation into MP Mathen’s murder. He specifically called upon regional and international bodies, including IGAD, the African Union, and the UN, to pay close attention to what he termed the ruling regime’s “autocratic actions.”.
He assured the media outlet that he would “never stop fighting for people” and expressed hope that his party would overcome the current challenges, positioning himself as the champion of a democratic South Sudan free from violence and political oppression.
About The Author
