![South Sudan's First Vice President and SPLM-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny attends the initialing of the revitalized peace agreement in Khartoum in August 2018 [Photo by Reuters]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/images-1.jpeg?ssl=1)
The senior opposition commander who has been described as an outstanding and celebrated soldier died in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on Sunday morning following a long-illness, according to opposition sources.
Find below the full statement by Dr. Riek Machar on his demise!
SUDAN PEOPLE’S N LIBERATION MOVEMENT/ARMY
SPLM/SPLA (IO)
CHAIRMAN AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
Statement on the passing on of 1st Lt. General Simon Jok Gatwech
1st Lt. General Simon Jok Gatwech has passed on in Khartoum in a hospital on 6th June 2021 after brief illness. His body will be flown to Juba and taken to Mayandit County, Unity State and will be laid to rest in Rubkuach.
1st Lt. General Simon Jok Gatwech was a veteran who devoted his entire life to liberation of South Sudan as from Anyanya and SPLM/SPLA armed struggle. The Movement and the people of Unity State have lost great man.
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 this loss.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Signed:
Riek Machar Teny, PhD.
Chairman and Commander in Chief of the SPLM/SPLA (IO)
First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan
7th June 2021.
