Sudan’s Jonglei state mourns “hero” Kwaje

August 2, 2010 (BOR) – Jonglei state is aggrieved by the death of southern Sudan minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Samson Kwaje, who died on Sunday in Kenya.

Flags hang at half mast in government and private offices in Bor on Monday as
the sign of a three-day mourning.

Kwaje was a senior member in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) that rules the south. He was the movement’s spokesman during the war till peace was signed in 2005.

His death comes as a surprise because his illness was not announced. He was
reportedly admitted to a Nairobi hospital with kidney complications.

“The State of Jonglei is aggrieved by the demise of one of south Sudan’s icons
in its liberation struggle and academia. Jonglei shares the grief of mourning
citizens of south Sudan in Sudan and Diaspora,” said Jonglei state’s governor,
Kuol Manyang Juuk in a letter of condolence addressed to south Sudan President
Salva Kiir Mayardit, family and relatives of late Samson Kwaje.

Gov. Kuol added that “On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Jonglei
State, I sincerely send our heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family,
relatives, friends and the government of southern Sudan.”

Kuol described the untimely death of Kwaje as a great loss to the people of
Southern Sudan and the SPLM where he served during the war and till his death.

(ST)