President Kiir honours late General Joseph Lagu at body viewing

President Salva Kiir earlier on Wednesday joined senior government officials and other dignitaries in paying their last respects to the late General Joseph Lagu Yanga, as the body of the former Anyanya One leader lay in state ahead of his state funeral on Friday.

According to a statement from the Office of the President, Kiir paid tribute to the late General alongside senior government officials, leaders of the organised forces, members of the family and other dignitaries who gathered to honour his life and recognise his contribution to the country’s history.

General Lagu served as Second Vice President of the former Republic of Sudan, President of the High Executive Council of the former Southern Region, and commander and leader of the Anyanya movement during the First Sudanese Civil War.

The committee organising the state funeral said the body will be moved to the late General’s residence in Hai-Tijaria on Thursday for an overnight vigil.

The vigil will provide family members, friends and other mourners with an opportunity to pay their last respects.

The state funeral and burial will take place on Friday in Juba, southeast of the Dr John Garang Mausoleum and east of the Pope Francis Pavilion.

Final funeral prayers will be held four days after the burial, in accordance with the traditions of his Madi tribe.