South Sudan Ruling Party Headquarters Engulfed In Afternoon Blaze

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

The headquarters of South Sudan’s ruling party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), was severely damaged by a fire on Saturday afternoon, with significant destruction to documents, including the party’s constitution, according to officials.

The fire erupted around 12:47 p.m. local time, quickly consuming the offices and reducing important files to ashes before firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control. Thick plumes of dark smoke darkened the skies over Juba’s government district as emergency responders worked diligently at the scene.

Jimmy Atilio, the SPLM Deputy Secretary for Information, confirmed the incident and stated, “A committee will be established to investigate the cause of this unfortunate event.” He noted that various sections of the building, including the conference hall, sustained damage.

Prominent party leaders, such as Secretary-General James Wani Igga and deputy secretaries-general Kuong Danhier Gatluak and Mary Apayi Ayiga, were present at the site to assess the damage.

The cause of the fire remains unknown as at press time, but thankfully, no injuries have been reported.