South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Governor of Lakes State, Lt. Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor, on Tuesday expressed profound sorrow over the death of Lt. Gen. David Ayual Makoi, former Deputy Governor of the State.
Makoi died of diabetes on March 30, 2025, at a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
In his condolence message on Tuesday, Mabor described the late Makoi as a true, devoted, and irreplaceable leader.
Mabor said the state is mourning not only the death of its leader but a guiding light whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.
He said the deceased was an ideal pillar of the community who stood firm in the face of adversity.
“We have lost a teacher who imparted lessons of integrity and courage, a liberator who sacrificed to give us the seeds of prosperity, and an ideal pillar of our community who stood firm in the face of adversity,” said Mabor, adding that Makoi was not merely a soldier but a ‘beacon of resilience’ whose life was an embodiment of the liberation struggle.
“As the first commander of the SPLA commandos, he led with valor and wisdom, forging paths of freedom where few dared to tread,” he added.
Mabor noted that the deceased’s name is decorated in the archives of the liberation struggle as a warrior who relentlessly pursued peace and justice for his beloved people.
He disclosed that Makoi served his community with unwavering commitment in various political capacities, from being a commissioner to deputy governor.
“His leadership exceeded titles, for he was more than just a leader; he was a teacher, a father, a grandfather, and a true son of the land of Yirol,” said Mabor.
Prior to his death, he was serving as chairperson of the Ciec Community Association.
Late Makoi served as a former MP in the then Sudan National Legislative Assembly, Khartoum.
He also served as the former Minister of Education, Science, and Technology in Lakes State and as former Commissioner of Yirol County.
