Speaking during the state burial ceremony for late Gen. Majur in Juba yesterday, Lt. Gen. Paul Nang said his deputy stepped in while he was on official duty in East Africa, a time when the orders and attacks happened

By Chuol Chanyong

The Chief of Defence Forces of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), Lt. Gen. Paul Nang, has accused his deputy, Lt. Gen. Duop Lam, of arranging the violence that led to the White Army seizing control of the barrack in Nasir from government forces.

Speaking during the state burial ceremony for the late Gen. Majur in Juba yesterday, Gen. Nang claimed that his deputy sanctioned the attack in Nasir.

“When I was on a mission in East Africa for the chief of defence forces conference, my deputy was the CDF (Chief of Defence Forces) acting on my behalf. He was the one giving orders to Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony and Lt. Gen. Koang Chuol,” he stated.

“He was the one commanding SSPDF and giving orders to SPLA-IO and the White Army to attack Nasir,” Gen Nang continued.

Gen. Nang described his deputy’s actions as “double standards” and accused him of coordinating the violence.

However, he promised to stop the fight: “We don’t want to hear the sound of the gun again.”

“Let’s limit this war to Nasir and those who killed Gen. David Majur.”

He said despite the mediation by (First Vice President) Dr. Riek Machar with the white army and SPLA-IO to withdraw from the SSPDF prior to the conflict, they did not.

The CDF said the SPLA-IO must be held responsible for the death of Gen. David Majur Dak.

The Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel said those involved in the killing of Gen. Majur will be brought to justice.

“We will bring those who killed General Majur Dak to justice.”

Dr. Mel called on the citizens to put arms down and allow development to take its course.

Meanwhile, the representative of the family, Mr. Yath Awan Yath, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information, communications and Postal Services appreciated the support provided by the government to the family of the late general.

He thanked President Salva Kiir for honoring the Gen. Majur with a decent military burial.

“We trust that the government will take the necessary measures to achieve justice, and we will not resort to taking the law into our hands.”

Mahlodi Muofhe, South african ambassador, offered condolences on behalf of his country, confirming his full solidarity with the people of South Sudan and SSPDF at such a difficult time.  “This official military funeral is very honorable, and reflects the position of the late general. Even in the midst of these difficult times, we hope that your country will take its place in the continent, economically and political as well,” he said.

General Majur died alongside several SSPDF soldiers and a UN pilot during an evacuation attempt from Nasir in March 7 after armed youth opened fire on a helicopter extracting them, UNMISS said.

The late General was hailed for his heroic gesture of staying behind and letting his soldiers board the plane during the initial successful evacuation. UNMISS said the evacuation was part of its efforts to help prevent violence in Nasir and de-escalate political tensions – three days after clashes erupted between the SSPDF and armed youth, leading to significant casualties and civilian displacement.

Following his death, President Kiir posthumously promoted late Majur to the rank of Lieutenant General.