South Sudan Official Assassinated By Driver

The Rural Development Minister of Southern Sudan was assassinated Wednesday. A spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army confirmed Jimmy Lemi Milla was shot to death by his driver inside the Ministry building in Juba. Milla’s bodyguard was also killed. There are conflicting reports on whether the driver, who is said to be Milla’s brother-in-law, was arrested or committed suicide.

Milla was reportedly shot twice in the head, once in the arm and twice in his upper body. The motive of the shooting remains unclear. Authorities believe an argument between the two men may be the reason behind the killing.

Milla’s death comes days after Southern Sudan won a referendum to become independent from north Sudan.  Milla, 52, was involved in 2005 peace treaty that ended a decades-old civil war between the two regions.

"This is such a shock to the people here, coming so soon after our peaceful referendum," said civil servant Richard Lukodu. "This is something for which I cannot express my sadness. This is the result of one angry man - and people should not think that this is reflective of all of south Sudan."

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