The First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has condoled with the members of his led movement and forces of SPLM/A-IO over the death of one of the senior officer.

First Lt. General Simon Jok Gatwech died suddenly on Monday, June 6, in Khartoum, Sudan, from undisclosed illness and will be transported to Juba on a day yet to be scheduled, according to the statement Dr. Riek issued on Monday.

“On behalf of the SPLM/SPLA (IO) and on my own behalf and family, I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family, relatives, friends and the entire people of Unity State for the loss,” the statement partly read.

Not much is known about late Jok but Dr. Machar described him in the statement as a veteran who devoted his entire life for liberation of South Sudan since 1960s, in Anyanya era until the signing of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement.

“The movement and the people of Unity State have lost great man.,” said Dr. Machar.

The First Vice President said his body will be buried on Rubkuach Village of Mayandit County in Unity State.