Veteran traditional leader dies in Juba

JUBA, APRIL 8, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – A veteran South Sudanese traditional leader on Sunday passed on in the country’s capital Juba, with political figures and ordinary citizens taking to social media to express condolences.

Robert Tungwar Kueiguong, a prominent paramount chief from Unity State, was 86 when he unexpectedly died at his residence in Juba last Sunday, according to his son and Unity State Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities, Lam Tungwar.

Lam told Sudans Post on Thursday that the paramount chief was in good health and was not sick but said his father’s aging might have caught up with him.

Kueiguong was an influential figure in South Sudan having dedicated his life to solving disputes between communities.

He hails from Nuer community’s Leek section of Rubkona County.

In a statement, First Vice President, and SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar expressed his condolences to the family and the Leek community.

Machar praised the late Kueiguong for his selfless service to the people of South Sudan and described him as a man of peace, wisdom, and outstanding leadership.

The late Kueiguong was also a central figure in the struggle for South Sudan’s independence who had actively helped raise in-kind funds such as cattle to support then rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A).

He is also believed to have contributed to the revitalized peace agreement as he engaged political leaders ahead of its signing in September 2018.

He also helped build bridges between warring communities in Unity state.

As news of his death continue to spread, many South Sudanese have taken to social media to mourn him with some described him as a “living dictionary whose legacy will live in South Sudan through generations.”

“He leaves behind a legacy of service and leadership that will continue to inspire future generations,” one social media user tweeted after Kueiguong demise.