Riek Machar praises late General Joseph Lagu
Machar, detained in a cell, called Lagu a selfless leader who prioritized peace and self-determination.
Former First Vice President Riek Machar on Wednesday described the late General Joseph Lagu as a leader who was not greedy for power. Machar, currently detained, conveyed his condolences in a message during the 125th session, praising Lagu's commitment to peace and self-determination for Southern Sudan.
Machar stated that Lagu deserved recognition for his contributions to the liberation struggle and for prioritizing the welfare of the people. He noted that Lagu left leadership to someone not originally part of the movement, highlighting his selfless nature. Lagu was a key figure in the Anyanya movement and helped negotiate the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement.
The Addis Ababa Agreement ended the first Sudanese civil war and granted Southern Sudan regional autonomy for a decade. Lagu, born in 1931 in Eastern Equatoria, became leader of the Southern Sudan Liberation Movement in 1968. He later served as president of the High Executive Council and Sudan's second vice-president before retiring from public service.
Why it mattersDetained former First Vice President Riek Machar is speaking about the legacy of General Joseph Lagu, a significant figure in South Sudan's history.