Condolence Message on the Passing of Lt. Gen. Samuel Abu John

February 14, 2008 — It is with great sorrow that we note the death of Lt.Gen. Samuel Abu John, governor of the state of Western Equatoria. Lt. Gen. Abu John passed away on February 14, 2008 after an illness bravely borne. As we mourn his passing, we also take this opportunity to reflect on the heroic deeds of Lt. Gen. Abu John. An indefatigable freedom fighter, Lt. Gen. Abu John was instrumental in the liberation battles to free the people of the New Sudan from the forces of oppression and religious fundamentalism.

We note with pride that through his unwavering dedication to the liberation struggle, Western Equatoria was freed from the oppressive yoke of the forces of evil that permeate our country, as far back as the late 1980s, when our gallant forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) routed the forces of darkness. Today we stand tall and proud, noting that this remarkable feat ensured that Western Equatoria remained free until the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement(CPA) three years ago.

In life, Lt. Gen. Abu John was many things: a father, husband, soldier, and administrator. Our condolences go to his family and friends, the people of South Sudan in particular and the Sudanese people in general. Today we stand on the shoulders of giants as we observe the modest gains we have made in the struggle for freedom. Lt. Gen. Abu John was one of these inspiring giants. But even as we mourn his passing, let his unwavering dedication for freedom be a reminder to all that we will remain steadfast enemies of injustice and oppression whenever and wherever it occurs in Sudan.

Signed

Ottawa, Canada.