BREAKING | Gunfire erupts as soldiers arrest former Rubkona commissioner over political endorsement

BENTIU – Gunfire erupted at Rubkona Airport in South Sudan’s Unity State on Thursday morning as soldiers arrested former Rubkona County Commissioner Stephen Salam Maluit over his alleged support for a rival candidate seeking to replace caretaker Governor Joseph Nguen Manytuil, a senior government official told Sudans Post.

The incident occurred when Salam went to the airport to welcome former national minister Michael Chiengjiek Gey, who had arrived in Bentiu from Juba amid growing political interest in the future leadership of the oil-producing state.

A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said Salam had previously been instructed not to endorse anyone other than Manytuil for the governorship.

“He was clearly instructed not to support or endorse anyone other than Governor Nguen Manytuil, but this morning he went to the airport to receive Chiengjiek Gey. When the soldiers tried to disarm his bodyguards, they resisted and there was an exchange of gunfire. Fortunately, nobody was injured, but he was arrested and taken to the Fourth Division headquarters at Baar,” the official said.

The official said Salam was being held at the headquarters of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Fourth Infantry Division in Baar, Rubkona town.

It was not immediately clear whether the arrest had been ordered in advance or resulted from the confrontation at the airport.

A supporter of Salam, who requested anonymity for security reasons, questioned the decision to deploy soldiers against the former commissioner, arguing that his presence at the airport did not necessarily amount to an endorsement of Chiengjiek’s political ambitions.

“Salam went to the airport to welcome someone he knows. Since when has welcoming a visitor become a crime? He is no longer the commissioner, and he has the right to support whoever he wants. If the government believes he has broken any law, they should explain what law he violated instead of sending soldiers to arrest him,” he added.

The supporter also questioned why political differences surrounding the governorship should involve armed security personnel.

The detention comes nearly a month after President Salva Kiir reorganized the country’s transitional government and appointed caretaker administrations ahead of planned elections.

Manytuil retained his position as caretaker governor of Unity State, while several county commissioners, including Salam, lost their positions.

Chiengjiek, who hails from Mayom County, is a veteran politician who previously served as deputy governor of Unity State under former governor Taban Deng Gai. He later served in several senior national government positions, including minister of interior and minister of land, housing and urban development.

His name has previously featured in discussions over the Unity State governorship. In June 2020, Sudans Post reported that Taban Deng had proposed Chiengjiek for appointment as governor, but Kiir rejected the nomination and requested another candidate.

A third political source familiar with developments in Bentiu said Chiengjiek’s visit had drawn attention among local politicians amid uncertainty over the state’s future leadership.

“There are people in Unity State who want a change in the leadership, and Chiengjiek is one of the names being discussed. But Governor Nguen is still in office, and there are also people who want him to continue. The problem is that these political differences are now creating tensions among officials and their supporters,” the source said.

Manytuil has been a prominent figure in Unity State politics since succeeding Taban Deng as governor in 2013. He also chairs the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in the state.

Salam previously served as Rubkona County commissioner and as an adviser on peace and security in Manytuil’s administration. In April 2026, Kiir reappointed him as commissioner, replacing Kasare Jul Dador.

Unity State, which hosts some of South Sudan’s most important oil-producing facilities, has experienced repeated political disputes, armed confrontations and competition among senior government and opposition figures.

The latest confrontation comes as the state faces continuing humanitarian and security challenges, including food shortages, displacement and sporadic violence in several counties.

It remains unclear whether Salam faces formal charges or when he might be released.

There was no immediate public comment from the state government, the SSPDF or Chiengjiek regarding the arrest.