Ex- Rumbek East County Commissioner Mabor Makuac Ater -Photo credit| Courtesy

The community of Rumbek is mourning the death of former Rumbek East County Commissioner, Mabor Makuac Ater, who passed away on Friday morning at the age of 51.

Mabor died on June 19 after a short illness. The announcement of his death was confirmed by relatives and community leaders.

Sultan Manyang Derder Ajieng, the Paramount Chief of Rumbek East County, confirmed the passing of the former commissioner, stating that he died in Juba following a brief illness.

“The late Mabor Makuac Ater will be remembered as a fair leader who worked tirelessly to deliver services to the people and ensure justice in the community,” Sultan Manyang said.

“He was a social person who enjoyed interacting with ordinary citizens and young people.”

According to the chief, the late commissioner will also be remembered as a peacemaker who contributed significantly to maintaining harmony within the Rumbek East community.

Mourlana Gueny Madit, former SPLM Secretary General for Rumbek East County, also confirmed receiving news of Mabor’s passing. He said the death was linked to a short illness, although many people were unaware that the former commissioner had been unwell.

“I learned about this unfortunate news this morning,” Gueny said. “I did not know he had been sick, but according to information from several people, his death may have been related to diabetes. Over the last four days, he had been experiencing fever and was admitted to the hospital for treatment.”

He added that Mabor’s condition worsened on Friday morning, leading to his death.

Reflecting on his leadership, Gueny described the late commissioner as a responsive and dedicated leader who paid close attention to security matters.

“When I worked with him as SPLM Secretary General in Rumbek East County, security remained calm and stable under his leadership,” he said. “He loved his people and was a great leader. Above all, he was a committed SPLM member, often seen wearing the party’s red cap and other SPLM attire.”

He further described Mabor as a patriotic leader whose contributions to both the SPLM and the wider community would be deeply missed.

John Dhuorjang Mangok, former office manager to the late commissioner, said Mabor Makuac Ater served twice as a county commissioner.

“He served as Commissioner of the former Eastern Bahr el Naam County from 2017 to 2018,” Mangok explained. “Later, following the reorganization of counties, he served as Commissioner of Rumbek East County from 2022 to 2023.”

Mangok described the late commissioner as a devoted family man and an outstanding leader who served South Sudan, Lakes State, and particularly the people of Rumbek East County.

“He was generous and believed in sharing what he had with his citizens and colleagues,” he said. “During his tenure as commissioner, he prioritized security and worked hard to ensure peace and stability across the county.”

According to Mangok, Mabor had been receiving treatment for diabetes at Nile King Specialized Hospital since 2023, when he was diagnosed with the condition.

“He had been under medical care and treatment for diabetes for several years,” Mangok said.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalized. Family members and community leaders are expected to meet to determine when his remains will be transported from Juba to Rumbek.

Mangok said it has not yet been decided whether the late commissioner will be buried in Rumbek Town or in his home area of Atiaba Payam. Further details regarding the transportation of his remains and burial arrangements will be communicated to the public in due course.