Nation bids farewell to Gen. Majur, as leaders share mixed experiences

The burial ceremony attracted high-ranking government officials, military leaders, and grieving citizens who paid their last respects to a man hailed as a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice

By Emmanuel Mandella

The late Lt. Gen. David Majur Dak, a senior commander of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), was laid to rest on Wednesday at the Heroes Cemetery in Juba’s Simba Grounds, honored with a 21-gun salute and a state funeral.

The burial ceremony attracted high-ranking government officials, military leaders, and grieving citizens who paid their last respects to a man hailed as a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice.

Gen. Majur, along with 27 other soldiers, were killed on March 7 in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, in an attack during an evacuation mission by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

UNMISS termed the attacked as ‘abhorrent and (what) may constitute a war crime under international law.’ However, during the solemn state funeral procession, various leaders urged for calm and unity, as some pour their hearts out with mixed reactions.

Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, led the country in mourning the fallen general, urging South Sudanese to resist the urge for retaliation.

“We all call for dialogue, and dialogue brings peace. We call for the unity of our people in South Sudan. We must unite and live together. Yes, it is a painful time to see such incidents, but we must remain strong. To the youth, we call for calm all over South Sudan. Refrain from revenge because revenge does not take people anywhere,” Dr. Bol Mel said

Meanwhile, Senior Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang Juuk acknowledged President Salva Kiir Mayardit for bestowing a state funeral upon Gen. Majur, calling it a gesture of national recognition for his service.

“We thank our President, Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, commander-in-chief of the SSPDF and other regular forces, for honoring our brother, Gen. Majur, who was killed in Nasir alongside his soldiers,” said Juuk.

For his part, the Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Paul Nang Majok hailed the late commander as a warrior whose name will be stamped in the history of South Sudan’s armed forces.

“We are very proud of Lieutenant General David Majur Dak, who died a hero and a man of courage. He truly symbolized the identity of SPLA soldiers and never turned his back on his enemy. We at the SSPDF are honored to lay him to rest in the presence of his colleagues and family,” Gen. Nang said.

The defense chief also confirmed that efforts were underway to retrieve the bodies of the soldiers killed alongside Gen. Majur in Nasir.

Meanwhile, army spokesperson, Maj. Gen Lul Ruai Koang, took the opportunity to clarify to the mourners the new ranking status of the late military personnel, stating that he was a Major General while alive. However, upon his demise, President Salva Kiir rewarded him for his dedication and service, with another star-studded rank, of a Lieutenant General.

“From now henceforth, he should be referred to as a Lieutenant General,” Maj. Gen. Lul said, signing out with a firm salute.

As the final prayers were said and the soil covered on his grave, many in attendance were left grappling with the loss of a man they said dedicated his life to South Sudan’s military. The late general’s burial serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the country, with leaders calling for peace and restraint in the wake of his death.

For now, South Sudan mourns one of its own; a commander, a soldier, and a patriot whose legacy will live on.