Mayom, Unity State, South Sudan
July 22, 2022 — County Commissioner of Mayom in Unity State, Mr. Chuol Gatluak Manime, a brother to the presidential advisor on national security, Lt. Gen. Tutkew Gatluak Manime, was killed this morning together with his bodguards and family members when Mayom’s headquarters came under heavy attack.
Speaking to Nyamilepedia this morning, one of Mayom citizens, who preferred to be identified only as John for security reasons, confirmed the attack and said the commissioner and most of his body guards were killed.
“.. It was around 2:30am when the news of this tragedy happened in Mayom County. Unknown attacker came and attacked our commissioner’s resident and burned more houses”, John said.
Responding to the speculations, the Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of South Sudan People Moment, Gen. Stephen Buay Rolnyang, confirmed the incident and claimed full responsibility.
According to General Stephen Buay, their forces responded in retaliation to attack on their position by SSPDF soldiers that killed at least one of their soldiers.
“Major General Kerubino Ruay Tap, the SSPDF Commander of 4th infantry Division came to Mayom town, unity state last week with intention to clear Mayom area of the SSPM/A forces and launched an attack on SSPM/A forces at Bong on 21/7/2022, killing one SSPA soldier. The SSPM/A forces retaliated immediately by attacking and capturing Mayom this morning on 22/7/2022, around 0300 Hours AM.” Read part of SSPM/A press release extended to Nyamilepedia.
Since the incident this morning, Gen. Stephen Buay said, he has ordered his forces to tactically withdraw from Mayom to reorganize and conduct more offensives.
“The SSPM/SSPA high command has directed the SSPM/A forces to withdraw from Mayom town to nearby villages where they shall be re organized and conduct similar operations against military objectives, regime pro-militias and regime installations in Western Upper Nile (Unity state) and part of Warrap, Northern Bhar El Ghazal and Raja.” Gen Stephen Buay said.
According to news from Mayom, the commissioner was killed together with 10 others members that include officials, family members and bodyguards.
In their statement, the SSPM/A leader said their forces shall commit to minimize unnecessary suffering of civilians and other non-combatant including religious people, journalists and NGOs workers.
“As part of our rule of engagement, the SSPM/SSPA shall be committed to minimize unnecessary suffering of civilians and other non – combatants including religious people, correspondents, local and international NGOS and foreign nationals.” the SSPM/A statement stressed.Â
