South Sudan army commander Gen Ajongo dies

PIC: Gen James Ajongo addressing the media after his swearing in at the Presidential Palace in Juba on May 10, 2017. (Credit: Reuters)

MILITARY | DEATH

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of South Sudan's army has died.

President Salva Kiir announced that Gen. James Ajongo Mawut passed away Friday morning in the Egyptian capital Cairo after a short illness.

"On my behalf and on behalf of my family, the Sudan People's Liberation Army, and the Government and People of South Sudan, I offer our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of General James Ajongo," Kiir said in a statement.

"We join you in grief and pray that God's peace be with you all during this difficult moment."

Kiir described the fallen army chief as a "remarkable man" and a "committed founding member of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and Army".

"He served this nation with dedication and honour and shall be remembered as [a] hero," the president added.

The country has declared three days of official mourning, where all South Sudanese flags will be flown at half-mast.

President Kiir urged all South Sudanese to honour the memory of Ajongo and "join us in official observance".

State funeral for Gen Ajongo - President Kiir   At this time, funeral details have not yet been confirmed, however, we will share the details as they become available. General James Ajongo Mawut will be accorded a state funeral with all honours befitting of his status. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the government of Egypt as a whole and the military in particular for their unwavering support and care for General James Ajongo during his time in Cairo. As the passing of General James Ajongo shall leave a void, we will always remember his life and legacy and take comfort in knowing that his soul is resting in eternal peace.

Ajongo was appointed to lead the South Sudan army after his predecessor Paul Malong was sacked early last year.

South Sudan got its independence from Sudan in 2011.

But the world's youngest nation was affected by a civil war that sparked off in 2013, when Kiir sacked his then-deputy Riek Machar.

The toll has been huge: on top of food shortages and infrastructural breakdown, tens of thousands of people have lost their lives in clashes fought along ethnic lines in the conflict.

Many more fled to neighbouring countries, including Uganda.