Farewell to Moulana Ambrose Riiny Thiik, a staunch leader without arms in the liberatiin struggle

by Francis Mading Deng

It is with deep sorrow that I have just learned of the passing of Ambrose Riiny Thiik, who, among several prominent positions in public service, was the first Chief Justice of the newly independent Republic of South Sudan.

Ambrose was an exemplary leader who remarkably demonstrated pragmatic resilience during the hard times of the liberation struggle. Though a distinguished judge back home, he modestly performed odd jobs abroad, such as driving a cab in London, to provide for his family, combining it with an unshakeable commitment to the struggle and the service of his country before and after independence. Always reflecting an engaging sense of humour, radiant smiles, hearty laughter, and a warm generosity of spirit. Ambrose was a combination of a social, popular, proud, and dignified personality. His company was always rich and pleasantly entertaining.

Ambrose had been suffering from various ailments for the last several years, which had progressively diminished the quality of his life. There comes a time when it is more merciful for one to pass on. And that, sooner or later, is in any case the unavoidable destiny for all mortals. The ultimate question is what lies beyond death.

Modern religions, Christianity and Islam, promise life after death in the form of Heaven for the virtuous. Our indigenous African belief systems combined some form of life-hereafter for the deceased with a form of continued presence and participation in this world through the memory of the living relatives, friends, and all those one has touched in life. From all these perspectives, Ambrose Riiny Thiik will continue to live in Heaven and in this world through successive generations.

My heartfelt condolences go to his family, his friends, and his wider circle of all those whom he touched in various memorable ways.