South Sudan regrets death of army chief in Egypt

JUBA, April 20 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Friday announced the death of the head of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) James Ajongo Mawut in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

The South Sudan President Salva Kiir said in a statement that the general passed away on this Friday morning in Cairo following short illness.

"On my behalf and on behalf of my family, the Sudan People's Liberation Army, and the government and people of South Sudan, I offer our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of General Ajongo. We join you in grief and pray that God's peace be with you all during this difficult moment," Minister of Information Michael Makuei said in a statement.

Ajongo replaced the sacked General Paul Malong who has since formed an opposition party in May 2017.

Kiir hailed the fallen General as a committed founding member of the SPLM/A and served South Sudan with dedication and honor who shall be remembered as hero.

"I have declared three days of mourning and ordered all South Sudanese flags to be flown at half-mast. I call up on all South Sudanese to honor the memory of Gneral Ajongo and join us in official observance," Kiir said, adding that the General will be accorded a state funeral with honors.

He also thanked the Egyptian government and military for their unwavering support and care afforded to the fallen General.

South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar led to split within the SPLA, leaving soldiers to fight alongside ethnic lines.

The 2015 peace agreement to end the conflict was weakened after the outbreak of renewed fighting in July 2016. Enditem