South Sudan presidential minister in London to represent Kiir at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

JUBA – South Sudan’s minister of presidential affairs Barnaba Marial Benjamin is in the United Kingdom’s capital London where he will represent President Salva Kiir Mayardit in the state funeral of Her Majesty the Queen who passed on earlier this month.

Her Majesty died following short illness at the age of 92 and world leaders are gathering in London to attend a state funeral expected this week.

In a statement, South Sudan embassy in London announced presidential minister’s arrival to the country after he was delegated by President Salva Kiir Mayardit to delegate him in the important event where other African leaders are also expected to take part in.

“Today, the Embassy received the Hon. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin MP, Minister of Presidential Affairs who is delegated by H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, to participate in the State Funeral of Her Majesty the Queen,” the embassy statement reads in part.

“This is to convey the condolence message of the President, the Government and the people of South Sudan to His Majesty King Charles III, the Government, the people of the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth,” it added.

The statement said that Marial who was accompanied by his wife Yolanda Gordon Benjamin and Amb. Emmanuel Ayume as well as other members of his delegation arrived on Saturday in London and signed the book of condolence to pay tribute to the Queen.

“This afternoon he signed the Book of Condolence and paid tribute in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the great icon of successful leadership with high moral standing in the governance of her people,” the statement said.

“The Delegation brings the sympathies of the people of South Sudan to the British people and share with them this sad news with heavy hearts. Her Majesty the Queen had great love for the people of South Sudan,” it added.