The story of Lt.-Gen.
David Majur Dak, an SSPDF commander whose life spanned four decades of service,
culminated in a heroic act of leadership and sacrifice in Nasir, the very town
where his journey as a fighter began 42 years ago.
On March 7, a
UN helicopter conducting an evacuation attempt in Nasir County of Upper Nile
State, came under fire, killing one crew member and injuring two others.
Several SSPDF
members, including Gen. Majur, were also killed.
The operation
was part of UNMISS's efforts to reduce violence and ease tensions between the
SSPDF and the White Army after recent clashes.
On Wednesday,
Gen. Majur’s body was laid to rest at the Heroes' Cemetery in Medan Simba,
Juba.
At the state
burial ceremony, Maj.-Gen. Lul Ruai, spokesperson for the SSPDF, delivered a
heartfelt tribute on behalf of Lt.-Gen. Chol Thon Balok, the minister of Defense,
honoring Majur’s distinguished military career.
"Lt.
Gen. David Majur was a true hero, having joined the SPLA in 1983 and being among
the first group to be trained as part of the Jamus Battalion. After his basic
training, he specialized in air defense units and continued service." Ruai
said.
The late was
involved in some of the most crucial operations in South Sudan's history,
including the Battle for Nasir in 1984.
“He fired his
first bullet at Nasir in 1983, and after 42 years of distinguished
military service, that lasted 42 years, he also lost his life in the very town
he fought in 42 years ago,” Ruai remarked.
In his final
moments, Lt. Gen. Majur showed extraordinary selflessness, staying behind to
ensure the safe withdrawal of his soldiers instead of evacuating himself. The
SSPDF has immortalized this act of bravery.
“He sacrificed and played a role in defending our country, and it is his contributions
that cement his place as a national hero. The final act of bravery in Nasir
will be forever remembered. His decision to stay behind to ensure the
evacuation of soldiers rather than giving himself the opportunity to be
evacuated is a powerful demonstration of leadership and loyalty,” Ruai stated.
The Ministry
of Defense has been closely monitoring the situation in Nasir, working with
local authorities to secure the survivors who have found refuge in nearby
villages.
The sacrifice
of Lt. Gen. Majur and his comrades, however, extends beyond just military
circles.
"We also
convey our deepest condolences to the families of our fallen comrades in Nasir.
They are true heroes, who paid the ultimate price in the service of our beloved
nation," he said.
The
government also honored a fallen UNMISS member who died alongside the soldiers
during the evacuation attempt.
"We
extend our condolences to the UNMISS and the families of the fallen peacekeeper
who lost his life alongside our heroes and our soldiers who died during the
last battle for the control of Nasir," Ruai continued.
The
government remains committed to bringing justice to those responsible for the
deaths of Lt. Gen. Majur and the other fallen soldiers.
"For
those who assassinated him, along with our servicemen, they will be held
accountable for their actions. They will not go unpunished. We pray for peace
and for the recovery of the wounded soldiers,” the spokesperson added.
Majur’s
promotion from major general to lieutenant general, granted posthumously, stands as a
powerful symbol of the devotion and sacrifices made by the South Sudanese
military for the peace and security of the nation.