The death of Kuol Alor was announced in a condolence statement issued by Chol Kur Jupor, a member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) peace faction led by Stephen Par Kuol.
“As the country was celebrating the great day of the nation on May 16 and people were remembering heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country, another hero left us silently,” the statement read.
Kur said the SPLM-IO peace wing, under the leadership of Stephen Par Kuol and Amin Kiir, extended condolences to the family of the late administrator, the people of Abyei, and the nation at large.
He described the deceased as “a prominent South Sudanese political and judicial figure” who played an important role in administering the contested Abyei region during a difficult post-conflict period.
Justice Kuol Alor was appointed Chief Administrator of the Abyei Special Administrative Area in February 2017 by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, replacing Chol Deng Alak. His appointment came at a time when the oil-rich border territory remained politically sensitive amid unresolved disputes between South Sudan and Sudan over the final status of Abyei.
Shortly after assuming office, Kuol Alor moved to establish the regional administration by issuing decrees in April 2017 appointing six cabinet ministers and four advisers to help run the territory.
Before taking up the executive role in Abyei, Kuol Alor had built a career in the legal and judicial sector, earning the title “Justice,” which reflected his professional background in law and public service.
During his tenure, he oversaw security coordination, humanitarian governance, and community relations among the Ngok Dinka community in Abyei. This region has frequently experienced tensions and displacement due to conflict and political uncertainty.
In his condolence message, Chol Kur praised the late administrator for successfully steering the region despite the complex political and security challenges facing Abyei.
“The Abyei region is a highly sensitive geopolitical zone between South Sudan and Sudan,” the statement noted, adding that Kuol Alor managed to govern the area under difficult circumstances.
No official details regarding the cause of death or funeral arrangements had been announced by family members or authorities by Saturday evening.
