Chaos in Leer as relatives of former commissioner disrupt successor’s celebration

BENTIU – Celebrations marking the appointment of the new Leer County Commissioner James Kuol Tap in South Sudan’s Unity State, descended into chaos after relatives of his predecessor allegedly fired gunshots to disrupt the festivities.

The incident, which unfolded in Leer County on Saturday, has heightened political tensions following President Salva Kiir’s decision to remove former commissioner Stephen Taker Riak Dong from office.

According to police authorities, the violence erupted when a group of relatives and close associates of the former commissioner confronted residents who had gathered to celebrate the leadership transition.

What began as verbal confrontations quickly escalated, culminating in gunshots that sent celebrators fleeing for safety.

Police investigations later revealed that the firearm used in the attack was allegedly supplied by the Traders’ Union chairperson, Stephen Gai Yar, who was arrested shortly after the incident.

Gai was taken into custody at his shop when he reportedly admitted to handing over his gun to the group believed to be loyal to the former commissioner.

Brig. Gen. Samuel Machul, the Police Director General in Leer County, confirmed the arrest on Sunday, saying the Traders’ Union chairperson played a direct role in enabling the attack.

“We found that he was involved in the conflict because he gave the gun to relatives of the former commissioner, who then used it to attack the people celebrating the newly appointed commissioner,” Machul told Sudans Post.

He added that Gai was transferred to the county administration offices after investigators completed their preliminary inquiry.

Machul said although calm had returned by Sunday, the primary suspect — the individual who fired the shots — remains at large. “The real suspect ran away with the gun. That is why the CID arrested the Traders’ Union chairperson after he admitted he was the one who provided the firearm,” he explained.

The attack underscores the deep divisions surrounding the leadership change in Leer County. While many residents welcomed President Kiir’s decision to appoint James Kuol Tap, supporters of the outgoing commissioner expressed anger and disappointment, leading to heightened tensions.

Local authorities are urging community elders and political actors to help defuse the situation and prevent further escalation as the county adjusts to new leadership. Police are also appealing to the fugitive suspect to surrender as investigations continue.