SPLA-IO commander Gen. Gatgach Nhial laid to rest in his hometown Rubkona

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) commander General John Gatgach Nhial Diet who passed away in the capital Juba on Sunday has been finally laid to rest in his hometown Rubkona where Bentiu, the capital of the oil-rich Unity State, is located.

In a statement on Monday, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny who doubles as the chairman and commander in chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) announced Gen. Gatgach’s death.

“Maj. Gen. John (Gargash) Jok Nhial has passed on yesterday evening at 8:45 PM at Freedom Hospital in Juba. His body shall be laid to rest in Rubkona in Unity State,” Machar said in the statement a copy of which was obtained by Sudans Post.

“Gen. John Jok Nhial is a hero of the struggle for Self-Determination and Independence of South Sudan as well as of the current struggle for Federalism and Reform in the Republic of South Sudan. He will be missed by all,” he added.

“On behalf of SPLM/SPLA (IO) and the South Sudanese people, I am conveying our deep condolences to his family and to all members of SPLM/SPLA(IO). May God rest his soul in eternal peace.”