JUBA — The Acholi Community in South Sudan has condemned the killing of a senior Ministry of Petroleum official in Juba, describing the incident as a targeted assassination and urging national authorities to swiftly investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice.
In a press statement issued Tuesday, Otim David Okot, the Acting Chairperson of the Acholi Community, expressed “deep concern and profound shock” over the death of Eng. Conty Okot P’Ogwaro, the Managing Director of the South Sudan Pipeline Company Limited under the Ministry of Petroleum.
Eng. Okot was shot and killed on Monday morning while driving to work along the Custom–Rock City Road in Juba. According to the statement, the attack occurred between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. while he was in his official government-registered vehicle, a V6 with license plate GOSS 4246 BC. Graphic images and videos circulating on social media shortly after the incident showed the vehicle riddled with bullet holes, sparking widespread public concern and speculation.
“The manner in which he was murdered in cold blood shows this was a premeditated and targeted assassination,” Otim said in the statement. He added that the community was disappointed that authorities responsible for criminal justice had not yet released a public briefing detailing the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The Acholi Community condemned what it called a criminal act carried out in broad daylight in the capital and meted out on an “innocent civil servant,” urging the national institutions in charge of security and justice to expedite investigations and ensure the perpetrators face the full force of the law.
“I call upon my Acholi Community to stay calm as we await the investigation from the national authorities over this murder case,” Otim said.
Eng. Conty Okot was described as the longest-serving civil servant in the Ministry of Petroleum and had recently been appointed Managing Director of the South Sudan Pipeline Company Limited. His death has sent shockwaves through government circles and the petroleum sector, where he was widely regarded as an experienced technocrat who had served through multiple administrations.
The killing has also drawn attention because of his family’s public standing. The deceased is a close relative of Betty Achan Ogwaro, a Member of Parliament representing Magwi County in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. Lawmakers and civil society groups have in recent months raised concerns over the safety of public officials amid a rise in violent incidents in the capital.
In its statement, the Acholi Community extended condolences to the family of the deceased, including his father, Capt. Bosco Ogwaro, his mother, Cecilia Juwa Said Mande, his wife Mrs. Kitale Conty and their children.
“We pray for the bereaved family to find solace and strength during this difficult time,” the statement concluded, calling for unity and calm as investigations proceed.
As of publication, security authorities had not issued an official report on the incident or announced any arrests.
Preliminary reports indicated that the vehicle of the late was sprayed by bullets as he was allegedly driving away against an order from law enforcement agents on patrol, a claim that does not justify the killing of an individual.
