The Late Lt. Gen. Bior Ajang Duot was laid to rest this
morning at the Jebel SPLA Heroes Cemetery in Juba.
Government officials, military leaders, religious
leaders, family members, and 300 representatives of thousands of mourners
attended the funeral, marking the final farewell to the respected general and
national hero.
South Sudan recognized Gen. Bior, who died on August 13,
2024, as a dedicated liberator and a pillar of faith nationwide.
The funeral proceedings highlighted his contributions to
the nation as a military leader and a community figure.
The ceremony began on Tuesday with a requiem mass at
Emmanuel Parish of the Episcopal Church, where Gen. Bior was a devout member.
Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan,
Archbishop Justin Badi Arama, spoke about the late general’s commitment in both
services to God and to the nation.
“Gen. Bior was not just a military leader; he was a man
of deep faith. While many generals are known as tribal heroes, Gen. Bior was a
hero of faith who dedicated his life to serving all people, regardless of their
background,” Badi stated.
On Wednesday, a military procession escorted Gen. Bior’s
casket to the burial site. Senior officers from the South Sudan People's
Defense Forces (SSPDF) carried the casket, draped in the South Sudanese flag,
as a sign of respect and honor.
Among the dignitaries present at the burial were Rt. Hon.
Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly,
Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng, Senior Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang Juk,
and many other government dignitaries.
In her speech during the requiem mass, Speaker Jemma Nunu
expressed her deep condolences to the family, acknowledging Gen. Bior’s
significant contributions to South Sudan’s independence.
“We are here today in an independent country because of
his contribution he made alongside other comrades, and that’s why the love we
have shown during his demise indicates that we recognize his contribution to
this country,” said Nunu.
The late general’s family members, including his close
relative Gen. Bior Kuir Deng, also spoke at the ceremony, expressing their
grief and recounting Gen. Bior’s struggles with long-term illness.
There were full military honors during the burial,
including a 21-gun salute.
The last funeral rite prayers are set to be held on
Saturday, August 24, at Medan Rainbow in Juba.