South Sudan pays glowing tribute to late Gen. Powell

President Salva Kiir has led the country in remembering the roles played by the former US Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell in South Sudan’s independence.

Gen. Powell died yesterday aged 84 after battling COVID-19 infections.

On Monday, Kiir sent his condolence message to the family of the late former US Secretary of State Colin Powell, painting him as a pivotal element that helped South Sudan pull through the rubble to self-rule.

The President voiced his heartfelt condolences to US President Joe Biden, Gen. Powell’s family, and the citizens of the US.

“I am saddened by the news of the passing of General Colin Powell. General was the main fulcrum of President George W. Bush’s push for a just peace in Sudan.

“It was through General Powell’s effort and determination that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (and) the then Government of Sudan,” read the condolence message.

Remembrance of contributions

The President expressed solidarity with the American people and prayed for comfort to the family and the US citizenry.

“On behalf of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, and all South Sudanese, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to President Joseph R. Biden Jr, General Powell’s family, and all Americans who are grieving his death today,” the message added.

He said South Sudan had lost one of its true friends and leader that gave his time to push for independence to the youngest country.

“South Sudan has lost one of its true friends as well as America and the World have also lost a great man.” 

Kiir said Gen. Powell was a leader with incredible courage who served America and the world with utmost dedication. 

“In our region, he will be remembered for his effort towards the signing of the comprehensive Peace Agreement as well as his firm stance on the protection of civilians during the Darfur conflict,” President Kiir added.

Gen. Colin Powell served in the government of George W. Bush where he was strategic in catalyzing the Sudan peace which ended up in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and the former Bashir’s government of Sudan.

On July 7, 2011, Powell led the U.S. delegation to South Sudan to attend the youngest nation’s independence ceremony.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Deng Dau Deng said South Sudanese can remember Colin Powell in his push for the independence of South Sudan. 

“Colin Powell is among some of the people that stood with South Sudanese during negotiations in Naivasha where he took it upon himself to meet with the leaders of the SPLA.

“We felt like all South Sudanese should follow President Kiir in remembering the late Collin Powell for his contribution to words South Sudan independence,” Deng said.

He said Powell could be remembered especially pushing for peace in the African continent as well East African region and his efforts to democracy in the country.

 “Powell can be described as a leader that considers and put humanity first as well as a good negotiator and peace-loving man adding that the world has lost one of great ever leader,” Deng stressed.

He revealed that Powell’s meeting with the late Dr. John Garang De Mabior and the movement’s senior leadership was his great efforts that act as a turning point for the country’s independence.

Powell was the first US Secretary of State whose policies were said to have shaped the American foreign policies in the Republican administrations towards the close of the 20th century and early 21st century years.

He reportedly passed away on Monday morning due to complications said to have been married to COVID-19 at the age of 84 years.

He was the former US Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“General Colin L. Powell, former U.S Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff passed away this morning due to complications from COVID-19,” read a statement posted by his family on Facebook clarifying that he was fully vaccinated.

In a statement, the US former President George W. Bush described Powell as a great public servant who was a favourite of presidents, and thus it earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice.

He also described him as a family man and a friend.