South Sudan to hold state funeral for General Joseph Lagu in Juba
The family of the late General Joseph Lagu Yanga has accepted President Salva Kiir's offer of a state funeral and burial in the capital.
The family of the late General Joseph Lagu Yanga has welcomed President Salva Kiir Mayardit's decision to grant him a state funeral, confirming his burial will be in Juba. Ambassador John Andruga, speaking for the family, stated that consultations with close relatives confirmed their agreement with the state funeral in Juba, as a village ceremony was not feasible. Andruga noted that Lagu was a national figure whose legacy belonged to all of South Sudan, not just his Madi community.
General Joseph Lagu Yanga died in Juba earlier this week at the age of 95. His death prompted tributes for his role in South Sudan’s liberation struggle, including leading the Anyanya One movement in 1963. Under his command, the movement gained momentum, leading to the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement that granted regional autonomy to Southern Sudan.
Lagu later served as president of the High Executive Council of the autonomous Southern Sudan region from 1978 to 1980 and as Sudan’s second vice president. He also represented Sudan at the United Nations in New York from 1990 to 1992. Lagu remained influential in South Sudan’s political history, supporting self-determination before the 2011 independence referendum.