Family describes ex-official Mayen Wol as ‘humble statesman’ after his death

The family of former Petroleum Undersecretary Mayen Wol Jong has described him as “a humble statesman, a dedicated public servant, an accomplished administrator, and a patriotic son” as it officially announced his death following complications from multiple organ failure at a hospital in Nairobi.

In a statement, the family said Mayen “dedicated his life to the service of the people of Sudan and South Sudan with exceptional commitment, integrity, and professionalism.”

Throughout his career, Mayen served in several key public institutions, including the Norwegian Church Aid in Sudan and Southern Sudan, the Office of the First Vice President of Sudan, and later the Office of the President of South Sudan, where he served as Chief Administrator.

He also served twice as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum, providing leadership in the country’s oil sector. At the time of his death, he was serving as Senior Technical Advisor and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ministry of Petroleum’s Geophysical Company. He was also a member of the SPLM National Liberation Council.

“Hon. Mayen Wol Jong will be remembered as a humble statesman, a dedicated public servant, an accomplished administrator, and a patriotic son whose lifelong service left a lasting impact on the institutions he served and the people of South Sudan,” the family said.

Mayen Wol Jong was a South Sudanese lawyer and senior public servant who held several senior government positions, including Chief Administrator in the Office of the President and twice serving as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum.

In 2022, he was convicted by a South Sudan court on corruption-related charges. However, the conviction was later overturned on appeal, clearing him of the charges.

The family expressed appreciation to President Salva Kiir Mayardit for the confidence and trust placed in Mayen through various appointments since 2007 and thanked the medical team at Aga Khan University Hospital, relatives, friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support during his illness.

The family said arrangements for the repatriation of his remains from Nairobi to Juba and later to Kuajok will be announced in due course.