General Joseph Lagu Yanga, a prominent figure in South Sudan's liberation history, has died in Juba at the age of 95. President Salva Kiir announced his death, describing General Lagu as a towering nationalist and liberation hero who dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom and self-determination in South Sudan. The President declared national mourning in honour of the late general, ordering all national flags across South Sudan and at the country's diplomatic missions abroad to fly at half-mast until General Lagu is laid to rest.
General Lagu was a former leader of the Anyanya One movement and served in various roles, including military, diplomatic, and political positions. He was a key figure in the country's first liberation struggle, leading the Anyanya One movement in its fight against the Sudanese government. His leadership culminated in the signing of the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement with Sudanese President Gaafar Nimeiry, granting southern Sudan regional autonomy.
Born on 21 November 1931 in Momokwe, a small settlement in Moli village, Eastern Equatoria State, General Lagu belonged to the Madi tribe. He received his elementary and secondary education in Malek and Rumbek, respectively. After completing his education, he was admitted to study law at the University of Khartoum but chose to join the Military College in Omdurman, Khartoum, graduating in May 1960.
General Lagu's military career began when he was commissioned as an officer in the Sudanese Army and posted to the 10th Brigade under the Northern Command. He later defected from the Sudanese Army to join the southern Sudanese liberation movement. In 1963, he became the leader of the resistance movement, renaming it Anyanya, a name derived from a deadly snake poison.
General Lagu's political career included serving as president of the High Executive Council through a popular vote in 1978. He was later appointed second vice president of Sudan by President Nimeiry in 1982. Following the overthrow of Nimeiry's government in 1985, General Lagu relocated to the United Kingdom, where he was appointed a roving ambassador by then Sudanese Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi in 1989.
General Lagu continued to play an active role in peace and reconciliation initiatives, working with Moral Re-Armament, now known as Initiatives of Change. His work took him to 18 countries. In 2005, he declined the position of presidential adviser to Omar al-Bashir, choosing instead to support the Government of Southern Sudan in its pursuit of self-determination.
General Lagu is survived by several children, including Josephine Lagu, a politician who previously served as a vice president in the transitional government. His memoir, Sudan Odyssey: From Ruin to Hope, was published in 2006. President Kiir will personally bid the veteran leader a state farewell.
Key points
- General Joseph Lagu Yanga died in Juba at the age of 95.
- President Salva Kiir declared national mourning in honour of the late general.
- General Lagu played a key role in South Sudan's liberation history, serving in various military, diplomatic, and political roles.
