President Kiir Declares National Mourning Following Death of Liberation Hero Joseph Lagu

By Jenifer James

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has declared national mourning following the death of General Joseph Lagu Yanga, a veteran liberation hero, military commander, diplomat and statesman who led the Anyanya movement during Sudan’s first civil war.

Lagu died in Juba on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the President.

In a statement seen by The Dawn Newspaper, Kiir expressed profound sorrow over the death of the veteran leader, describing him as a towering nationalist who dedicated his life to South Sudan’s struggle for freedom.

“It is with profound sorrow and deep shock that I announce the peaceful passing of His Excellency, General Joseph Lagu Yanga, which occurred this afternoon in Juba,” Kiir said.

The President said Lagu’s contribution to the liberation struggle and his service in military, diplomatic and political roles had placed him among the most historic figures in South Sudan’s history.

In honour of Lagu’s service to the nation, Kiir directed that all national flags across South Sudan and at the country’s diplomatic missions abroad be flown at half-mast until the late general is laid to rest.

The President also announced that he would personally bid farewell to the late leader in recognition of his life and legacy.

“I will personally bid him a state farewell to honor his life and legacy,” Kiir said.

He urged South Sudanese to mourn the death of the veteran leader while also celebrating his life and contribution to the country.

“As his family and the nation mourn his passing, I urge the public to also celebrate his life because he lived to see the birth of the country he fought for,” the President said.

Kiir called on citizens to unite in prayer for the bereaved family and support one another during the period of national mourning.

“In this moment of deep national grief, let us unite in prayer for his family and comfort one another as a grateful nation,” he said.

In a tribute statement issued on Wednesday, SPLM First Deputy Chairperson James Wani Igga said Lagu’s contribution to the liberation struggle had inspired the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in its fight for freedom, which eventually led to South Sudan’s independence.

“Today, we gather here, with heavy hearts, to bid farewell to a giant of our history, General Joseph Lagu Yanga,” Igga said.

He described the late general as “an extremely outstanding military commander, a statesman of the first degree, a former Vice President of Sudan of the highest order, and a pioneering leader and tower of the Anyanya liberation movement.”

Igga said Lagu’s difficult struggle had helped pave the way for the SPLM’s liberation movement, which he described as a painful but ultimately victorious journey towards independence.

“Yanga’s difficult struggle was no doubt the eye-opener and a historical inspirer of the SPLM’s agonising but victorious freedom movement, that, alas, captured the long-awaited independence,” he said.

Earlier this week, Lagu’s family reportedly announced online that the veteran general was unwell and appealed to well-wishers, friends and members of the public to remember him in their prayers.

The family asked God to grant him healing, strength and a speedy recovery during that difficult time.

General Joseph Lagu Yanga led the Anyanya resistance movement during the first Sudanese civil war. In 1972, he signed the Addis Ababa Agreement with Sudanese President Gaafar Nimeiry, ending the war and granting southern Sudan regional autonomy.

Lagu is remembered for his role in the Anyanya movement, which fought for the rights and self-determination of the people of southern Sudan before the country gained independence in 2011.