June 24th 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) under the leadership of the former First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon announced on Sunday the passing on of its Governor of Bieh state Gen. Koang Ramabang Chuol.
According to a brief statement by the SPLM-IO Chairman and Commander-in-Chief, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, Gov. Ramabang passed away on Saturday in the Lakien Payam of Nyirol County of Bieh State.
“I have been informed of the sad news that Cde Governor Koang Rambang Chol of Bieh state has passed away yesterday. He died due to a deadly asthmatic attack,” Machar said in a brief statement seen by the Nyamilepedia.
Machar praised the late governor and uttered his condolences to the SPLM-IO and the family of the late General.
“This is a great loss to SPLM/SPLA(IO) and to his young family and to all. He was the leader the Movement needs. His role was fundamental and effective in our struggle for reform, federalism and justice. We shall greatly miss him. On behalf of the Movement and our people I am conveying our deep condolences to his family and to all. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Machar said.
The Chairman and Commander-in-Chief announced that the governor will be laid to rest today in Lakien county.
Koang has been one of the closes and die-heart loyalist of the SPLM-IO and his death would mean a big blow to the armed opposition group that has been fighting the government of the current South Sudan President whose term ended in 2015 but decided to stay on in December 2013 sparking civil war.
The deceased General is on the list of UN sanctions that has been delayed until June 30th pending a period of about 30 days. He was accused of launching offensives against government troops despite the advance of government troops to the opposition state that has been under the control of Machar’s forces since the onset of the conflict in December 2013.
