South Sudan Ministry of Defense: $341K Compensation Civil Suit

• Two individuals are seeking USD 341,150 in compensation from South Sudan's Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs.
• The claim arises from a November 21, 2024, shooting incident near Gen. Akol Koor Kuc's Juba residence, where the plaintiffs were injured.
• Plaintiffs Manawa Gabriel Makwach and Gum Anderia are seeking material, moral, and medical damages, plus legal costs.
• A military investigation committee previously reviewed the incident but provided no outcome to the victims.
• The Juba civil court is expected to deliver its judgment in case number 276 of 2026 on Tuesday, October 27.

This South Sudan Ministry of Defense compensation civil suit holds significant implications for state liability and victim compensation concerning actions by security forces.

Two individuals, advocate Manawa Gabriel Makwach and Gum Anderia, are pursuing a civil claim against South Sudan's Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs, seeking a total of USD 341,150 in damages. This legal action stems from a shooting incident that occurred on November 21, 2024, near the Juba residence of Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, the former head of the National Security Service's Internal Security Bureau, who remains under house arrest. The plaintiffs sustained significant injuries during an exchange of gunfire involving security forces at approximately 7 p.m. that evening.

Both Manawa and Gum required extensive medical treatment following the incident, which has continued for nearly two years. Manawa Gabriel Makwach is specifically seeking USD 260,150 in material compensation, while Gum Anderia is claiming USD 81,000. The National Medical Commission assessed Manawa's injuries as resulting in a 60 percent disability. In addition to these material claims, the plaintiffs, represented by their lawyer Angelo Thon Pal, are also seeking redress for moral damages, medical expenses incurred, and all associated legal costs, including court fees. The specific amount for moral damages is to be determined by the court.

The civil suit, identified as case number 276 of 2026, is being heard in a Juba civil court, with a judgment anticipated on Tuesday, October 27. Before initiating this civil action, the plaintiffs had initially sought recourse through a military investigation committee. This committee, established by presidential directives in December 2024 and led by Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol, completed its work and submitted a report to the presidency. However, Manawa Gabriel Makwach and Gum Anderia never received the findings or any outcome from this internal investigation.

Following the lack of resolution from the military inquiry, the plaintiffs opted to pursue legal action. Their lawyer, Angelo Thon Pal, confirmed that the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs was formally notified of the impending civil suit via the Ministry of Justice prior to its filing. The Ministry of Defense subsequently received court documents and participated in several hearings. Despite the court's efforts to facilitate an amicable settlement between the parties, no agreement was reached. Consequently, the plaintiffs requested the court to proceed with their statements, even in the absence of a representative from the Ministry of Defense.

This South Sudan Ministry of Defense compensation civil suit holds significant implications for state liability and victim compensation concerning actions by security forces. The outcome of Juba civil court case 276 of 2026 could establish a crucial precedent for how the government is held accountable for incidents involving its security personnel, particularly when internal investigative mechanisms fail to provide adequate redress. The case underscores the judicial avenue available to citizens seeking damages against governmental entities for harm suffered.

The incident itself, a shooting exchange near Gen. Akol Koor Kuc's residence, highlights the potential for civilian casualties during security operations. Earlier reports indicated that the November 21, 2024, event resulted in both deaths and injuries, further emphasizing the need for clear accountability and compensation frameworks. The court's impending ruling will determine the validity of the plaintiffs' claims for material, moral, and medical damages, as well as legal costs, thereby shaping future expectations for redress in similar circumstances involving South Sudan state liability security forces.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the outcome of this civil suit against the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs, as the judgment could establish a significant precedent for state liability and victim compensation in South Sudan, particularly concerning incidents involving security forces where internal investigations have failed to provide redress. This case highlights the judicial avenue for seeking damages against government entities.

Source: Original reporting via news reports.