"I was called about an hour ago that the head of the South Sudanese army is confirmed dead. When he failed sick, he was transferred to Nairobi and the hope was that he would go to for further treatment in Germany but he was not given a visa. he was then transferred to Isreal where they declared the illness as terminal. He was again taken to Egypt and that where we received the news of his passing now".
Ajongo Mawut was promoted as head of the South Sudanese Army in May of 2017 replacing Paul Malong Awan. Ajongo was a veteran of the South-North war between the SPLA and North Sudan. SBS Dinka is following the story and we will keep you informed.
South Sudanese Presidential spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny confirmed the news of Ajongo's death in a statement posted on his personal profile. Ateny who went to the same school with the former head of the army send his message of condolences and paid tribute.
"It is with deep sorrow and utter shock to announce to the South Sudanese the passing of a great Hero of all times, a friend of mine, my schoolmate and brother-in-law Gen. James Ajonga Mawut Unguec Ajonga. He passed away this morning at 4:30 am today Friday, April 20, 2018, at the Egyptian Military Hospital in Cairo".
In the same message posted by Ateny Week Ateny, President Kiir announced the three days of mourning and ordered that flags across South Sudanese towns be lowered to half-mast.
"The President had declared 3 days mourning and the flag would be flown half mast. May he rest in the eternal peace"
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