The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), a body tasked with overseeing implementation of the 2015 peace agreement peace in South Sudan, has said it was shocked at the death of Andrew Makur Thou who was a member of the body at the time of passing on.
“JMEC mourns the demise of Ambassador General Andrew Makur Thou. It is with utter shock and deep sorrow that the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), has learnt of the demise of Ambassador General Andrew Makur Thou,” the monitoring body said in a press statement.
The statement pointed out that until his passing this week in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Makur was a member of JMEC, and the Chairperson of the JMEC Security Working Committee.
The statement described the deceased as a patriot, a champion of peace and indeed a key pillar in the 2015 peace agreement.
“His sober and honest contributions to the Commission and to the entire South Sudan Peace process will undoubtedly be missed. During this difficult time of mourning, the JMEC Chairperson, H.E Festus Mogae, Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge and the entire JMEC fraternity wish to send heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Ambassador General Makur,” adds the statement.
Separately, Greater Yirol Youth Union in Kenya in a statement signed by Makoi Majak said: “We received with deepest shock the departure of our capable man Gen. Makur Thou.”
The youth group said Makur was a nationalist and peace lover.
Andrew Makur Thou, a South Sudanese veteran of war died on Tuesday morning. He was born in Yiral in Greater Lakes State in 1942.
Makur had served in many governments in different capacities and was among the decorated military, diplomatic and political leaders to emerge from South Sudan.
Makur lived his life in service of the people of Sudan before South Sudan obtained its independence in 2011.