Senior Education Official Assassinated in South Sudan

Peter Michael Mbia, Director General of Western Equatoria State’s education ministry in South Sudan, was shot dead at his home in Yambio by unidentified gunmen, sparking fears of political or tribal tensions amid ongoing investigations.

A senior government official in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State was shot dead at his residence on Saturday evening, prompting concerns over potential political or tribal unrest in the region.

Peter Michael Mbia, Director General of the Ministry of Education in Western Equatoria State, was gunned down at his home in Yambio by three unidentified armed assailants. A relative of Mr Mbia was also injured in the attack but is reported to be in stable condition.

According to local police, the gunmen entered the property under the cover of darkness and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Authorities confirmed that nothing was stolen during the incident, ruling out robbery as a possible motive. The targeted nature of the killing has led to speculation about other underlying causes, including political rivalries or ethnic tensions.

The assassination occurred just days after a significant cabinet reshuffle in the state government, fuelling public anxiety that the incident may be linked to political manoeuvring or internal power struggles.

Speaking to local media, police officials said investigations are ongoing, and they are pursuing several leads. “We urge the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out a thorough investigation,” a police spokesperson said.

The state government has condemned the killing and promised that those responsible will be brought to justice. Western Equatoria’s Governor, Alfred Futuyo Karaba, called for unity and restraint, warning against speculation that could inflame existing divisions.

Community leaders and civil society organisations have echoed those calls, urging residents to avoid reprisals or politicisation of the incident. “This is a moment for reflection and peace,” said one Yambio-based activist. “The cycle of violence must not be allowed to take root again.”

Peter Michael Mbia had served in various educational roles over the years and was widely regarded as a dedicated public servant. His death is a significant blow to the education sector in a region already grappling with post-conflict recovery and limited access to quality schooling.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, continues to face fragile peace and governance challenges despite the 2018 revitalised peace agreement. Incidents such as this highlight the enduring risks faced by public officials and the need for stronger rule of law in the country’s nascent democratic institutions.