Burial of Lt. Gen. David Majur Dak: A Call for Unity and Peace

Lt. Gen. David Majur Dak of the South Sudan People’s Defense Force was laid to rest with honors in Juba after his tragic death during a UN evacuation. Key government officials called for unity and warned against revenge, emphasizing dialogue as a path to peace. The funeral highlighted Dak’s heroism and commitment to his country, with plans to recover the bodies of his fallen soldiers.

On Wednesday, the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) Commander, Lt. Gen. David Majur Dak, was laid to rest at the Heroes Cemetery in Juba, receiving full military honors, including a 21-gun salute. His tragic death occurred on March 7, when he was killed, along with 27 bodyguards, during an evacuation attempt in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, facilitated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, the Vice President for the Economic Cluster, emphasized the importance of unity and dialogue during the funeral, urging the people of South Sudan to refrain from retaliatory actions. “We all call for dialogue, and dialogue brings peace. We call for the unity of our people in South Sudan,” he stated, adding that it is essential for the youth to remain calm and avoid revenge.

Senior Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang Juuk expressed gratitude to President Salva Kiir Mayardit for granting Gen. Majur a state funeral. He appreciated the President’s acknowledgment of Gen. Majur’s service and sacrifice. “We would like to thank our President, Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, commander-in-chief of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and other regular forces, for granting our brother, Gen. Majur, a state funeral,” he affirmed.

Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Paul Nang Majok delivered a heartfelt tribute to Lt. Gen. Dak, labeling him a hero and a symbol of SPLA soldiers’ identity. He stated, “We are very proud of Lieutenant General David Majur Dak, who died as a hero and as a man.” Gen. Nang also assured that the SSPDF would retrieve the bodies of the fallen soldiers who perished alongside Dak in Nasir County.

The funeral of Lt. Gen. David Majur Dak highlighted the significance of unity and peace in South Sudan. Dignitaries emphasized the need for dialogue and warned against revenge in the wake of tragedy. The tribute to Lt. Gen. Dak as a heroic figure reflects the values upheld by the SSPDF, and the commitment to honor his memory by retrieving the bodies of his fallen comrades underscores the military’s respect for their service.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org