Fatal Attack: South Sudan Opposition MP Gunned Down in Juba; SPLM-IO Demands Justice
Assassination in Juba: The Killing of MP Luka Mathen Toupiny Luk and South Sudan’s Widening Political Rift
JUBA, South Sudan : The assassination of opposition Member of Parliament Luka Mathen Toupiny Luk in the heart of the nation’s capital has sent seismic waves through South Sudan’s already fragile political landscape. Shot dead in his home in the Gudele neighborhood, Mathen’s killing is not merely a matter for criminal investigation; it is quickly being framed by observers as a chilling escalation of political violence and intolerance against dissenting voices according to TRT Africa and other local media reports
The brazen nature of the attack, targeting a sitting member of the Council of States, raises profound questions about security, the rule of law, and the widening chasm between the ruling regime and the political opposition.
The Fatal Night: Details of the Attack
Luka Mathen Toupiny Luk, who represented Cueibet County in the upper house of the National Legislature, was fatally attacked at his home around 10 p.m. on Saturday. According to his spouse, Nyan Akolde, the MP had just returned from evening prayers when four armed assailants stormed the compound.
While initial confusion existed over whether he died instantly, Akolde confirmed to media outlets that Mathen was rushed to a hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries an hour later. The widow’s account, which includes the arrest of two suspects with two others remaining at large, provides the most detailed narrative yet, though it remains unverified by an official police statement. The absence of immediate official communication has only fueled speculation and mistrust.
A Vocal Critic Silenced
Mathen’s political career was defined by his role as a voice of opposition. He entered the Council of States in 2018 under the banner of the Other Political Parties (OPP) following the signing of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
Beyond his county representation, Mathen gained prominence as a dedicated member of the Education Committee and, crucially, as a legislator who was unafraid to demand accountability from the national leadership. His former colleague, SPLM-IO lawmaker Juol Nhomngek Daniel, highlighted Mathen’s significant contributions to parliamentary oversight, underscoring his value to the opposition movement.
The SPLM-IO, the largest opposition faction, has responded to the tragedy by demanding an immediate, transparent investigation and swift justice for the killers, emphasizing the urgency of protecting political figures who criticize the government.
The Allegation of Political Complicity: A Deeper Motive
While initial official statements are awaited, the dominant narrative in opposition and independent media circles, including insights gathered by our Ethio Insight Media investigator, points toward a motive far darker than simple criminality: regime-sponsored assassination.
Ethio Insight alleges that the Juba regime is resorting to the elimination of officials who do not conform to its policies, signaling a dangerous new phase in its grip on power. This analysis is underpinned by:
- Prior Monitoring: The belief that Mathen was being actively monitored by “government allied gangs” before the attack.
- Targeted Criticism: Mathen was a vocal critic of President Kiir’s family members, particularly Adut Kiir and Gregory, whom he accused of failing the nation and using brutal means to hold power.
- The Threat of Revenge Killing Narrative: Ethio Insight sources indicate that a key strategy of the government, allegedly in cooperation with the Tueny Mabor administration, will be to deflect suspicion by misleading the public and framing the murder as a “revenge-based killing” rooted in community conflict in his home region of Lakes State. This concern is heightened by past alleged threats from Gregory Kiir linking Mathen to cattle raiding.
This suggested official strategy highlights the deep distrust between the opposition and the government, where political critique is often violently conflated with tribal or criminal score-settling.
The Broader Implications
The assassination of Luka Mathen Toupiny Luk is more than a personal tragedy; it represents a serious threat to the fragile democratic space intended by the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
- Deterrence of Dissent: The killing sends a powerful and terrifying message to all opposition figures and government critics, potentially leading to self-censorship and further weakening parliamentary oversight.
- Erosion of Peace Agreement: Attacks on members of the National Legislature undermine the very institutions set up to ensure power-sharing and political diversity, threatening the stability of the entire peace process.
- Insecurity in the Capital: If a sitting MP can be targeted and killed inside the highly guarded capital, public confidence in the security forces and the government’s ability to protect its citizens will plummet.
Based on the available information, there is no immediate, recent official statement from the South Sudan police service or the government confirming the arrests or providing details on the investigation. The information about the two arrests primarily comes from the media reports citing the MP’s widow.
The initial news reports indicated that the police had not issued a statement “as of the time of publishing this story,” which suggests official details are still scarce.
As the nation mourns and the opposition demands action, 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?
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