A court in Juba has ordered South Sudan's Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs to pay more than $1.4 million in compensation to two victims of a November 2024 shooting. The shooting occurred near the residence of former National Security Director General Akol Koor, leaving the two plaintiffs injured. The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by Judge Ajok Tito in civil case No. 276 of 2026.
The plaintiffs, Advocate Manawa Gabriel Makuach and Madam Agum Andrea, were awarded compensation for their injuries and related damages. Advocate Manawa was awarded $274,850 for medical expenses, the value of his car and other damages, in addition to $800,000 for moral and mental suffering. Madam Agum was awarded $81,170 for medical expenses, the value of her car and other damages, plus $300,000 for moral and mental suffering.
Advocate Manawa Gabriel Makuach reportedly sustained a 60% disability as a result of the shooting. He recounted the traumatic incident, saying he and his companion were caught in crossfire while traveling home and had not expected to become victims of the shooting. Manawa said he had undergone three operations in Juba and Egypt but still required four additional surgeries.
Manawa expressed concern that even further treatment might not restore his physical appearance to what it was before the incident. He also revealed that a committee had been established following a presidential order to investigate the incident and address compensation for the victims. However, he stated that the committee had not provided any feedback, leading them to pursue the case in court.
The plaintiffs' representative, Advocate Angelo Thon Pal, thanked the judiciary for its commitment to delivering justice. Madam Agum welcomed the ruling but urged the Ministry of Defence to implement the compensation order, saying the victims had waited a long time without receiving any payment.
Madam Agum appealed to the Ministry of Defence to pay the compensation, as it was supposed to be settled two weeks after the incident. The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has yet to comment on the ruling or indicate whether it will comply with the court's decision or appeal the judgment.
The court ruling represents an important step towards securing recognition of the victims' rights, according to Advocate Manawa. While acknowledging that the court ruling could not reverse the physical injuries he sustained, Manawa thanked the judiciary for helping them obtain their rights.
Key points
- The court ordered the Ministry of Defence to pay over $1.4 million in compensation to the two victims.
- Advocate Manawa Gabriel Makuach sustained a 60% disability as a result of the shooting.
- The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has yet to comment on the ruling or indicate whether it will comply with the court's decision.
