Sudan Requests Participation in Joseph Lagu's Burial

Sudan has requested to participate in the burial of South Sudanese liberation leader General Joseph Lagu Yanga, with a delegation expected in Juba later this week. Ambassador Sunday Chot Riek, chief of protocol in the Office of the President, said the Sudanese delegation is expected to arrive on Thursday or Friday. This marks a notable gesture of respect from Sudan for Lagu's contributions to the region.

Lagu, who led the Anyanya One movement during Sudan's first civil war, played a central role in negotiations that produced the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement. This agreement ended the conflict and granted Southern Sudan regional self-government. His legacy in the region is significant, with various roles including president of the High Executive Council of the autonomous Southern Region and Sudan's second vice-president.

Lagu also served as Sudan's permanent representative to the United Nations from 1990 to 1992. He passed away in Juba on October 27, 2026, at the age of 94. His body will be taken to the national parliament on Wednesday for public viewing before being moved to his family home on Thursday. A requiem Mass will be held at All Saints Cathedral of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan in Mobil on Friday.

The burial will take place at Freedom Square, east of the Pope Francis Pavilion, in Juba. This site is also where former Sudan People's Liberation Movement leader Dr John Garang is buried. President Salva Kiir Mayardit selected the burial location, highlighting Lagu's importance to South Sudan.

Sudan will be the only foreign country represented at the burial, underscoring the significance of Lagu's relationships with neighboring countries. The participation of a Sudanese delegation in the burial ceremonies reflects the respect and recognition of Lagu's contributions to peace and governance in the region.

Lagu's legacy includes his role in ending Sudan's first civil war through the Addis Ababa Agreement. His contributions to the governance of Southern Sudan and Sudan have left a lasting impact. The involvement of Sudan in his burial is a testament to his influence across borders.

The burial preparations include a public viewing at the national parliament, a requiem Mass, and the final ceremony at Freedom Square. These events will honor Lagu's memory and contributions to South Sudan and the region. The Sudanese delegation's participation adds an international dimension to the tribute.

Key points

• Sudan has requested to participate in Joseph Lagu's burial, with a delegation expected in Juba later this week.
• Lagu played a central role in the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement, ending Sudan's first civil war.
• The burial will take place at Freedom Square in Juba, where former leader Dr John Garang is also buried.