South Sudan’s former detainees, who describe themselves as SPLM leaders, have mourned the late army chief, describing him a humble and respected man.

General James Ajongo died at the age of 64 in Cairo where he was receiving treatment. He was appointed the country’s army chief in May 2017.

The former detainees, in a statement dated 20 April, said they were saddened by the passing of Gen. James Ajongo.

 “It is with shock that we have come to learn of the untimely passing on of General James Ajongo Mawut. We join the people of South Sudan at large in condoling the family and friends of the late Ajongo as they try come to terms with this great loss,” reads the statement in part.

“General Ajongo was a friend, liberator and colleague, who had stood shoulder to shoulder, fought alongside, agonized, cried and laughed together with many of us, during the liberation years,” adds the statement.

It continued: “Today General Ajongo joins many other liberation heroes and heroines who had gone before him. As South Sudanese mourn and honor his memory, we pray that his demise, sad as it is, will serve to shine light on the plight of war veterans, fallen heroes and heroines of the war of liberation, especially the plight of the families of those who have passed on, after having made the ultimate sacrifice.”