![Former Governor of Western Equatoria State and member of the Council of State John Masua Mandaza. [Photo via Eye Radio]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Whats-810x565-1.jpg?resize=810%2C565&quality=89&ssl=1)
John Masua Mandaza who was until his death on Monday a member of the Council of States was representing Western Equatoria State and a fifth member of the country’s transitional national legislature to die in less than two months.
He was 73. Family member quote by Eye Radio say his body would be flown to Juba on Monday evening. It remains unclear if that has yet taken place. His funeral is expected to be conducted at the Rainbow Playground in the next few days.
Mandaza was a prominent member of the Sudanese government under then President Omar al Bashir until the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and was, prior to that, a senior officer of the Anyanya-I rebel movement.
He became a senior commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces following the signing of the Addis Ababa peace agreement before his appointment as governor of Western Equatoria State and a member of the Council of States following the signing of the comprehensive peace agreement.
The cause of the veteran parliamentarian’s death was unclear, but officials within the investigation committee tasked by the president to said his health condition was good when he left the capital Juba last week.
It is with profound sadness to learn the sudden death of Hon MP John Masua while on duty to bring peace to conflict torn brothers and sisters of Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka. It is a great loss to the country of such an individual committed to serve his country with integrity. My heartfelt condolences to the the family and loved ones. May the Almighty rest the soul of Hon John Masua in eternal peace.
Sad indeed great lost to our country