Gen. James Ajongo Mawut, who was South Sudan’s army chief, died last Friday at the age of 57 in Egypt following a shot illness. Here are some key facts about Gen. Ajongo.

• Gen James Ajongo was pursuing his master’s degree in International Humanitarian Law at the University of Great Lakes in Kenya before he passed away.
• In 2016, he was awarded a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy by the Busoga University in Uganda.
• In 2010, Ajongo obtained a diploma in civil military relations at Naval Postgraduate School in California, United States.
• In 2008, he obtained a diploma in Command and Staff Course.
• In 2006, Ajongo was awarded a certificate in Managing Defense in Democracy at Grandfield University.
• In 2004, he attended an intensive English and orientation program at Iowa State University, United States.
• Ajongo served as deputy chief of staff for administration and finance.
• In 2009-2013, he served as director for operations at the army headquarters in Juba.
• He was appointed the SPLA chief of defence forces in May 2017.
• In 1981, Ajongo went to Rumbek Secondary School in Rumbek where continued until 1983 when he was among students who abandoned studies and joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.