Sudan’s SPLM releases names of officers killed with Garang

NEW SITE, Aug 5, 2005 — Sudan People’s Liberation Army authorities have announced the names of five SPLA officers who were killed with Dr John Garang in last Saturday’s 31 July helicopter crash.

The list was released to journalists at New Site village in southern Sudan by the new SPLM leader, Lt-Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Five names of the bodyguards who were aboard the helicopter that crashed and those who perished with First Vice-President Dr John Garang. Lt-Gen Salva Kiir confirmed the list of the names as Lt-Col Ali Mayen Majok, Lt-Col Amat Malwal, 1st Lt Deng Majok Kuany, 1st Lt Mayen Deng Mabior and Oboki Obur Amaybek.

SPLM authorities also confirmed that seven Ugandan military officers died in the helicopter crash.

Apart from Garang and the five bodyguards, no other senior members of the SPLM were on board the helicopter.

(Sudan Radio Service/ST)