By William Maduok Garang
The first Vice President, Dr Riek Machar has eulogized the fallen minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Manawa Peter Gatkuoth as a committed ‘nationalist’ who believed in reforming the country.
According to officials, the South Sudan Minister of Water & Irrigation who was appointed to the post on the ticket of opposition group was flown to Egypt on Friday after being attended at Freedom and Baraka hospitals for initial chest pain treatment.
In Cario, he was diagnosed with high blood pressure which had destroyed the main vein to his heart, stomach and kidney, the doctors tried to replace the vein but Gatkuoth gave his last breath at 5:00 AM on Sunday, according to the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Preparations are said to underway for the body to be flown back to Juba and the burial arrangement will be communicated afterward.
The First Vice President (FVP) Dr. Riek Machar in press release seen by No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and entire Revitalized Government of National Unity describing the late Gatkuoth as a reformist who wanted to see prosperity for all.
“Hon. Manawa Peter was a strong student leader during his University days as well as leader in youth movement in Sudan. He was a committed nationalist,” read part of the statement by F.V.P Machar.
“He was a strong believer in reform in the Republic of South Sudan. He was committed to do his outmost in achieving prosperity for people of South Sudan,” he eulogized the late Gatkuoth.
“The doctors tried their best to replace the veins but he passed on at 5:00 am, this morning (Sunday) 19th June, 2022” the SPLM-IO Chairman announced.
Machar on behalf of SPLM-IO extended his sincere condolences to family, entire government and SPLM-IO in particular wishing late soul to rest in peace.