South Sudan sends condolences to Turkiye over deadly earthquake

JUBA, FEBRUARY 9^TH 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The government has sent the “thoughts and prayers” of South Sudanese people to Turkey following the devastating earthquakes which killed thousands of people.

At least 14,014 people are reported to have been killed and more than 63,000 people were injured by the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck in the early hours of Monday.

Mayii Ayii Deng, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the people of the African youngest nation mourn the loss of so many lives in Turkiye.

“It is with deep and overwhelming sorrow that I learned of the devastating effects of this morning’s earthquake,” Mayii said in a statement issued on Monday.

“On behalf of the government and people of South Sudan, I convey my deepest sympathy to the Republic of Turkiye for the lives lost in the wake of this natural disaster.”

Mayii expressed the government’s solidarity with the families of the victims and the Turkish people.

“The Republic of South Sudan holds dear the friendly relations it holds with our sisterly nation of Turkiye. We choose to stand with you through the good and bad and in this instance we stand in solidarity with the people of Turkiye,” he said.

The minister prayed for departed souls and wished the injured victims a speedy and full recovery.

“I hope your government and the Turkish people can take courage through this difficult time and stand closely together while you mourn the loss of innocent lives.”