SPLM-IO mourns military intelligence officer Brig. Gen. John Taker Kai

JUBA – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) has announced the death of Brigadier General John Taker Kai Gaw, a senior military intelligence officer, who passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, after a short illness.

In a condolence message dated January 22, 2026, the Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLA-IO, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, said the movement received news of Gen. Taker’s passing with profound sorrow, describing him as a distinguished officer who served the opposition movement in key security and diplomatic roles.

According to the statement, Brig. Gen. John Taker Kai previously served as a Military Intelligence attaché at the SPLM/A-IO Mission to Sudan between 2014 and 2016. Following the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in 2018, he was assigned to the Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC), a body tasked with overseeing security arrangements under the peace agreement. He held this position until his death.

The SPLA-IO leadership said Gen. Taker’s death represents a significant loss to Leer County in Unity State, his home area, and to the wider struggle of the movement. He was described as a dedicated freedom fighter who contributed to the liberation struggle and the ongoing peace process in South Sudan.

In the condolence message, Oyet extended sympathies on behalf of the SPLM/A-IO leadership to Gen. Taker’s family, friends, and the community of Leer County, acknowledging the loss of a son who served both his community and the movement.

Brig. Gen. Taker’s death comes at a time of heightened political and security tensions in South Sudan, where implementation of the 2018 peace agreement continues to face delays and disputes, particularly over security sector reforms and unification of forces. His role in the Joint Transitional Security Committee placed him at the centre of these sensitive processes.

No official details were provided on funeral arrangements or burial plans at the time of publication.