Clement Komoyagi, South Sudan’s local gov’t board chairman dies

South Sudan’s Chairman of the Local Government Board, Clement Khamis Komoyagi, has died in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, a family member has confirmed.

Denis Maburuk told The City Review that Komoyagi died on Sunday evening after battling heart-related problems.

“On behalf of the family, we severely announce the death of our father, the elder Hon. Clement Khamis Komogai, who passed on in Khartoum yesterday (Sunday) after suffering from heart disease,” Mr Maburuk said.

According to the family member, the late Komoyagi had heart-related issues dating over 10 years ago, and he went through a heart operation in 2019, which was described as successful.

He said Komoyagi had been doing well after the operation in Sudan until last week when he started developing some complications in his stomach and heart-associated problems.

“Although he was okay after the 2019 operation, according to the doctor’s directives, he was supposed to be under a regular checkup. But due to the numerous challenges in the country, which include pandemics and other crises, it never happened the way the doctor instructed, ” Maburuk lamented.

He added that the deceased was in good shape until last Saturday when he flew to Khartoum and was immediately admitted; adding that the treatment started well, but they lost him the next day.

A family member added that the arrangements for the arrival of the body to South Sudan were on, and the date would be announced later.

The funeral will be held at his home in the Atlabara residential area, Juba.

Until his death, the late Clement Khamis Komoyagi was the chairman of South Sudan’s Local Government Board. He hailed from Mundri East County, Western Equatoria State.

Some national MPs from greater Mundri have joined the family in mourning the late Komoyagi.

Michael Ariamba, a member of the national parliament from Mundri, described the late Komoyagi as a great leader and liberator who led by example.

“On behalf of all MPs from Greater Mundri in the national legislature, we are deeply saddened by the untimely death of our great leader, father, mentor, and liberator. His death left a large void in our community that will be difficult to fill,” Ariamba stated

Margaret Fozia, Commissioner of Mundri East County, also voiced sadness over the death of the late Komoyagi.

“With disbelief and trying to come to terms with the news received from our brother and friend Felix, I am sad with lots of grief for our chairman of the local government board chairman.”

According to the Mundri East Commissioner, the late was a true nationalist, selfless, and committed man who dedicated his life to what he did. “On behalf of Mundri East County and my own behalf, I would like to sincerely extend my condolences to my family, the local government board, local government, South Sudan, Western Equatoria State, and Mundri East County in particular for losing a true nationalist, selfless, committed, dedicated, and loving his job despite his health condition,” she added.