Sudan: Southern Sudan commemorates SPLA leader’s death

(SomaliNet) The second anniversary of Sudan Peoples Liberation Army leader John Garang’s death was marked on Monday in the South Sudan capital, Juba.

He died in a helicopter crash.

Garang died when a Ugandan presidential helicopter he was traveling in crashed in South Sudan near the Uganda border on July 30, 2005.

Sudanese Vice President and President of South Sudan Salva Kiir praised Garang, saying he was a hero who would be remembered by many generations. “Garang was not only a friend but a brother. His demise came as a shock to the whole world, Mr Kiir said. “Although he is gone, his legacy will live for a long time to come.”

Mr Kiir dismissed reports that the SPLA/M, which was founded by Garang, has been weakened as a result of his death. “SPLA has not weakened. It is getting stronger and stronger. There is no room for division and it will remain united,” Mr Kiir said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Garang’s widow Rebecca Nyandeng maintained her earlier claim that her husband was assassinated.

“My opinion is that my husband was assassinated. I cannot point a finger at anyone. But I believe it was a human error,” she said. She clarified that “by saying Garang was assassinated, that is my personal opinion. No one said publicly what happened. Conclusions were not normal.”

This is the second time Garang’s widow is talking about the death of her late husband that occurred two years ago.

She moved the gathering when she narrated how she missed Garang. “I really miss my husband as a wife. As a mother, I also miss him dearly. We were great friends. Losing him makes me miss him,” she said.

The celebrations to mark the anniversary were attended by thousands of South Sudan residents who wore traditional headdresses while the northerners spotted long flowing robes.

At the same occasion, President Kiir declared July 30 a National Martyrs Day in South Sudan.-Daily Monitor