By Nakwam Rose
Government of Eastern Equatoria State is mourning the loss of South Sudan’s political figure, Hilary Dilang Odwar, who passed away at a hospital in Canada.
Dilang, who was former deputy chairman of the SPLM/A-IO, had been battling cancer for nine years, before succumbing to the disease on Monday at Kitchener Ontario Hospital.
In a condolence letter dated June 25, State Governor Luis Lobong described Dilang as a hardworking and patriotic leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of his country.
He extended his heartfelt sympathy to Dilang’s relatives, friends, the people of Eastern Equatoria and recounted that the legacy and achievements will be remembered forever.
“His contribution will be remembered and cherished for generations to come,” the governor said.
Throughout his years of public service, Dilang held various senior positions in government and remained committed to peace, justice and development.
His political journey began in 2010 when he became a member of South Sudan’s National Legislative Assembly, representing Eastern Equatoria.
He later chaired the Energy and Mining Committee before leaving the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in November 2014 to join the opposition SPLM-IO, led by Dr. Riek Machar.
He served as the SPLM-IO’s deputy chairman and deputy commander-in-chief before being appointed in March 2020, as the Minister of Mining in the revitalized unity government.
However, he resigned in August 2021, citing health issues and ideological differences, and aligned himself with a breakaway faction led by Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual.
Although born in Eastern Equatoria, Dilang spent much of his life in Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada, where he earned a master’s degree in geophysics and until 2005, he worked for geophysical companies.