By Sabri Dibaco
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has mourned the death of veteran General Joseph Lagu Yanga, describing him as one of the leaders whose sacrifices helped shape South Sudan’s struggle for freedom and self-determination.
In a condolence message, Bishop Hiiboro extended his sympathies to Lagu’s family, relatives, friends and the people of South Sudan, urging citizens to honour the late general’s legacy by promoting unity, justice, reconciliation and lasting peace.
“General Lagu belonged to a generation that endured great hardships and made great sacrifices for the freedom of our people,” Bishop Hiiboro said.
Lagu was a prominent military commander and politician who played a central role in the Anyanya liberation movement during Sudan’s first civil war, which lasted from 1955 to 1972.
He led efforts that culminated in the signing of the Addis Ababa Agreement in 1972, ending the 17-year conflict and granting the Southern Region a degree of autonomy under the Sudanese government.
Following the agreement, Lagu continued to serve in public office, including as president of the High Executive Council of the Southern Region from 1978 to 1979 and as second vice president of Sudan from 1982 to 1985. He also served in diplomatic roles and remained an influential figure in the political history of Southern Sudan.
His contribution is remembered as part of the broader struggle that eventually led to South Sudan’s independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011.
Bishop Hiiboro also highlighted Western Equatoria State’s place in the history of the liberation struggle, recalling the 1955 workers’ protests in Nzara and the Torit mutiny of August 18, 1955, as important milestones in the pursuit of freedom and dignity.
He said the death of leaders who witnessed and participated in the early struggle should remind South Sudanese of the importance of preserving their shared history and learning from the sacrifices of previous generations.
The bishop called on citizens, political leaders and communities to put aside divisions and work towards building a peaceful and united country where every person is treated with dignity.
He emphasised that the legacy of liberation heroes should not be measured only by their military achievements but also by the values of justice, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence they leave for future generations.
Quoting Matthew 5:9, Bishop Hiiboro reminded the faithful of Jesus Christ’s teaching: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
He prayed for God to grant General Lagu eternal rest, comfort his bereaved family and guide South Sudan towards unity and lasting peace.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen,” the bishop concluded.