Machar says late Gen. Chaap Majuan ‘is hero’ for role in liberation struggle

JUBA — South Sudan’s First Vice President and leader of the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), Dr. Riek Machar Teny, has described late SPLA-IO commander Gen. Stephen Chaap Majuan as a hero for his role in the fight for independence of South Sudan.

General Chaap who was the opposition director of prison service for Unity State died on 21 June in his home-town Rubkona county of Unity State following a brief illness, according to senior SPLA-IO officers.

He was in his early seventies at the time of his death.

In a statement, Machar confirmed  General Chaap’s demise and said the late opposition commander, one of the highly respected, had been laid to rest in Rubkona town.

“Maj. Gen. Stephen Chap Majuan has passed on 21st June in Rubkona in Unity State. His body has been laid to rest in Rubkona,” he said in the statement a copy of which was extended to Sudans Post.

While extending his condolences to the people of South Sudan, Machar described General Chaap as a hero for the independence of South Sudan and the ongoing SPLM-IO push for a federal system of governance.

“Gen. Stephen is a hero of the struggle for Self-Determination and Independence of South Sudan as well as of the current struggle for Federalism and Reform in the Republic of South Sudan. He will be missed by all,” Machar said.

“On behalf of SPLM/SPLA(IO) and the South Sudanese people, I am conveying our deep condolences to his family and to all members of SPLM/SPLA(IO). May God rest his soul in eternal peace,” he added.