South Sudan’s former army chief, Gen. James Hoth Mai has sent his condolences on the tragic and untimely death of the country’s military chief, late Gen. James Ajongo Mawut.

In a message extended to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, Gen. Hoth said he mourns the passing of Gen. Ajongo who has left an indelible imprint on the history of the South Sudanese army.

Mai notes that the late General Ajongo played a big role during the liberation struggle and during his service as a top army general after independence, describing him as a man of his words.

“It is a great loss to the family and the people of South Sudan. I met Gen. Ajongo for the first time in 1984 when were still young officers. We were sent together with Ajongo to the college of war studies,” Hoth said.

“I also worked with Gen. Ajongo for quite a long period of time,” he added.

Gen. Ajongo died on Friday morning following a short illness in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

The government announced three days of mourning and ordered the flags to be flown at half-mast in the country.