Sudan’s southern leader, John Garang de Mabior was testified greatly at his funeral in Juba, Sudan today as thousands gathered to mourn his loss. Garang’s widow and children said that he was a strong, courageous man, and they urged the Sudanese people never to give up his dream of a peaceful, unified nation.
In response to the passionate plea, Sudan’s president and new vice president both vowed to uphold that mission.
Rebecca Garang spoke out to thousands that had gathered for the funeral at Juba’s All Saint’s Cathedral that her husband died a happy man as what he wanted, he had achieved – she then said it was now up to the country’s people to ensure that the peace he worked so hard for will remain.
Emotionally, the widow called for continued peace saying, “I will not miss my husband as long as you, the people of Sudan, are the watchdogs of the CPA (comprehensive peace agreement).”
Garang fought with his Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) for 21 years to ensure that predominantly-Christian south of Sudan would gain equality with the Muslim-majority north. However, earlier this year Garang signed a peace deal with the Khartoum government, bringing hope to the war-ravaged region.
The agreement ensured wealth and power would be shared, and allowed Garang to take up a position as vice-president of Sudan, and president of southern Sudan on 9th July 2005.
However, just three weeks after this historic event, Garang tragically was killed in a helicopter clash in southern Sudan.
