Lakes state declares three days of mourning after protocol director dies

September 5, 2013 (JUBA) – Lakes state authorities have declared three days of mourning after the death of the long serving director for protocol, Abdalla Malook Mathiang, who died on Wednesday after being admitted to Rumbek hospital suffering from malaria.

Mathiang died from heart failure within hours of being diagnosed.

Minister of information and communication Dut Makoi Kuok announced the Lakes state government’s decision to observe a three-day mourning period on local radio station FM98.

The mourning period will end on Monday, when government officials and private sector employees will be allowed to resume their main duties in Rumbek county.

Malook had served under every governor since the establishment of the Lakes state government in 2005 after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) with the Khartoum government.

He was initially based in the government’s coordination office in Khartoum, later transferring to Lakes state in 2006.

During his career he worked with former governors John Lat Zachariah, Daniel Awet Akot, Telar Ring Deng and Chol Tong Mayay. Most recently he worked with military caretaker governor Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol, who was appointed by president Salva Kiir earlier this year after Mayay was sacked.

Government officials said he will be remembered for his “work commitment” and “his dedication [to the] work”.

Mayay expressed his condolences to Mathiang’s family, saying Lakes state had lost a man of vision.

He described Mathiang as a man of patience and tolerance, who often worked under stressful conditions, but showed care and respect to all – even those who mistreated him.

(ST)