The body of the late South Sudanese army chief Gen. James Ajongo Mawut will arrive in the capital Juba on Monday morning.

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

The army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, said the body will leave Cairo on Monday morning and arrive at Juba International Airport at 11:30 am.

While briefing journalists in Juba on Sunday, Lul said the body will be taken to St. Theresa Cathedral Church for prayers. “All members of the public are requested to turn up at St. Theresa for prayers,” he said.

“Only few invited dignitaries are expected to turn up at Juba International Airport,” Lul added.

The tragic passing of the army chief was confirmed in a statement by President Salva Kiir on Friday morning.

Kiir’s statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the untimely death of General James Ajongo Mawut, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army’s Chief of Defense Forces.”

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