W. Equatoria state holds funeral rite for slain speaker
August 23, 2015 (JUBA) – The government of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state, community members and faith-based groups held on Sunday a funeral ceremony for the late assembly speaker, James Bage, who was killed by unknown gunmen on Thursday.
The state government, eyewitnesses said, gave the deceased the level of respect usually accorded to prominent figures.
According to the acting governor, Sapana Abui, the burial of prominent community figures, state officials and religious leaders, usually include much pageantry, a ceremony, religious overtones as well as distinctive elements of the military tradition.
He further explained the Bage was buried after members of the general public were given the opportunity to pay their last respects and permitted to view the deceased’s body as part of the tradition.
The coffin carrying ex-speaker’s body was picked from his house on Sunday, driven through the streets of Yambio town as residents threw carnations, wallflowers and roses from the balconies located nearby.The deceased’s body was driven to church where prayer services were held before it was taken to the state assembly premises.
The acting state governor described the fallen legislative assembly speaker as being “a true advocate of peace and nonviolence.”
“I know for sure that some people in this country are praying for us to remain in hostile and fearful environment. They are not sleeping. They are working hard to do even more. We need to open our eyes properly and begin to work together to withstand this challenge,” said Abui.
He said the late Bage may have left us today, but his legacy for the good things he did for the state and country will remain as a guide.
“We will not forget the good things comrade James has done”, Abui further told mourners.
Meanwhile, the government has launched an investigation into circumstances under which the former speaker died. The probe will also look reports that the deceased had, prior to his death, attended a meeting, who convened it and why it took place.
(ST)