High-ranking Interior Ministry Official Gen. Gatwech Gang dies in Juba

The Director-general of Administration and Finance in South Sudan’s Interior Ministry, General Gatwech Gang Lual, passed away in Juba on Wednesday after a long illness, officials said.

Major General Daniel Justin, spokesperson of the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), confirmed the death during an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Friday. He described the loss as profound.

He said the deceased had battled with prolonged illness during which he was evacuated abroad for medical treatment before passing on following his return to Juba.

“Gen. Gatwech passed on Wednesday after a long illness,” he stated. “Until his death, he was a director for administration and finance of the interior ministry.”

“We are coordinating with the family on funeral arrangements, and his remains will be transported to Akobo for burial,” Gen. Justin said.

Meanwhile, Deng Bol Wuol, a lawmaker representing the area in the Jonglei State Legislative Assembly, said they were shocked by the loss.

“The deceased had a prolonged issue which caused him paralysis,” he said. “He had occasionally been travelling to India, but this time, doctors recommended that he be flown back home, and he passed away at Juba Teaching Hospital shortly after arriving. His death is a great loss.”

For his part, John Opiew Olok, the head of the Akobo Anyuak Community Association, also eulogized Gen. Gatwech as a great leader.

“The loss of such a nationally renowned figure is profound, not only for his Mor Lou Nuer Community, but for the people of South Sudan as a whole,” he said. “As the Anyuak Community, we are deeply affected by this loss. Gen. Gatwech’s family has a longstanding special relationship with us. His grandfather, Lual Thian, was among the first three prominent Lou Nuer chiefs welcomed to Akobo by our chiefs, marking the beginning of a cordial friendship between the two communities.”

“This symbol of unity is reflected in the prevalence of the name ‘Gang’ among the Mor people, a name first given by Chief Lual Thian to his son in honor of Chief Gang Othiri of the Anyuak,” Opiwe added.