The state funeral of General Joseph Lagu, a liberation hero in South Sudan, is set to take place on Friday. The High-Level Ad Hoc Committee organizing the event announced the funeral programme, which includes a public viewing of his body starting on Thursday. General Lagu died in Juba on October 27, 2026, at the age of 94. He was a key figure in the southern troops' mutiny into the Anyanya One resistance movement.
On Wednesday, a ceremony will begin at the funeral home, where the public will be able to view General Lagu's body. The body will then be taken to the late general's family residence in Hai Tijaria residential area on Thursday. Members of the Madi community, friends, and relatives will have the opportunity to pay their last respects throughout the night. This is a significant event for the community, as General Lagu is remembered for his role in the liberation of South Sudan.
On Friday, General Lagu's body will be taken to All Saints Cathedral in Juba for a prayer service. President Salva Kiir and senior government officials are expected to attend the service. After the church service, the body will be transported to the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum, where General Lagu will be laid to rest in a state burial ceremony. The event will be attended by dignitaries and members of the public.
As part of the burial honours, General Lagu will receive a 12-gunshots military salute. The committee organizing the event has urged the public to remain calm and to follow official announcements for information about the funeral arrangements. This is to avoid unnecessary panic and ensure a smooth procession.
The committee has also announced that there will be no speeches after the burial and has urged mourners to leave the venue peacefully. According to Madi tradition, final funeral prayers will be held four days after the burial at the National Legislative Assembly in Juba. This is an important part of the traditional funeral rites for General Lagu.
General Lagu's legacy is being remembered by the people of South Sudan, who recognize his contributions to the country's liberation. The state funeral is a testament to his significance and the impact he had on the nation. The event will be a celebration of his life and a tribute to his memory.
The people of South Sudan are coming together to bid farewell to General Joseph Lagu. The state funeral will be a significant event, marking the end of an era for the country. Key points of the funeral programme include the public viewing of his body, the prayer service at All Saints Cathedral, and the state burial ceremony at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum.
Key points
- General Joseph Lagu will be laid to rest at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum on Friday.
- A public viewing of his body will take place on Thursday.
- President Salva Kiir and senior government officials will attend the prayer service on Friday.
