By William Madouk Garang
President Salva Kiir on Saturday laid flowers on the casket of late John Masua Madanza, who passed away last week while on peace mission in Abyei Administrative Area.
In his condolence message, Kiir described late Madanza as a freedom fighter who will be recalled for his contribution towards the liberation of the country.
Minister of Presidential Affairs Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin said: “President Kiir described late Honourable Masua as a great liberator who will be remembered for his contribution towards the Independence of South Sudan,”
On November 6th, the family confirmed the death of the veteran politician and national lawmaker late Mandaza who passed on in Abyei, but the cause of his death is still unknown.
He was part of the investigation team dispatched to Twic and Abyei to investigate last month’s conflict between the neighbouring communities.
Mandaza, a member of the Council of States representing Western Equatoria State died at the age of 73.
Late General Mandaza participated in the Anyanya One guerilla movement, before becoming an army commander in the Sudanese Armed Forces.
He was a politician during the Bashir regime until he was appointed governor of Western Equatoria State, before the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
He later became a member of the Council of States. After the independence, he served as the head of committee for decentralized governance and state affairs in the council of states.
He died on Monday afternoon in Abyei town – survived by several spouses and children.
So far, the nation has lost over 50 MPs between 2021 and 2022, and four of them died last month.
It was established that most MPs die of illnesses related to old age.
“We have been losing members almost every month; almost every week. Members are dying accidentally and with long-term illnesses as well. Some of them have been sick for months or years, and have died as a result,” Alier Samuel Ateny, the parliamentary committee for members’ affairs, ethics and integrity Deputy Chair told local media.