The Office of the President continues to drive the national agenda under the leadership of H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit. This latest engagement reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to advancing South Sudan’s developmental and peace objectives as the nation prepares for its upcoming democratic transition.

JUBA, AUGUST 9, 2026 — His Excellency, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, accompanied by the First Lady, Mama Mary Ayen Mayardit, and Senior Presidential Advisor Adut Salva Kiir, on Sunday led thousands of mourners at Juba International Airport in receiving the remains of veteran statesman Hon. Molana Mayen Wol Jong, who died in Nairobi, Kenya, on August 4.

The President, together with senior government officials, members of the bereaved family, colleagues, friends and mourners from across South Sudan, gathered at the airport to receive the remains and pay their respects to the late statesman.

The arrival of the remains was marked by scenes of grief and solemnity, reflecting the deep respect and affection earned by Molana Mayen throughout his decades-long career in public service.

President Kiir expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Molana Mayen, describing him as a dedicated public servant and patriot who devoted much of his life to serving the people and the governments of Sudan and South Sudan.

Molana Mayen was a veteran government official whose career spanned some of the most significant periods in the political and administrative history of the two countries.

Before South Sudan’s independence, he served in the Office of the First Vice President of the Republic of Sudan in Khartoum. Following independence in 2011, he continued his service to the new Republic of South Sudan and became its first chief administrator in the office of the president.

He later served as an undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum from 2018 to 2020, where he played an important role in the management and development of the country’s petroleum sector.

His contribution to the country extended beyond the petroleum sector. His public service included humanitarian work, government finance, legal affairs, and national development. He served with the Sudan Council of Churches and Norwegian Church Aid and participated in several government committees dealing with constitutional affairs, loans, petroleum, and national development.

President Kiir said Molana Mayen’s long record of service, integrity, hard work, and commitment to the national interest will remain an important part of his legacy.

The large turnout at Juba International Airport underscored the significance of Molana Mayen’s contribution to the political and administrative affairs of Sudan and South Sudan, as government officials, family members, colleagues, friends and citizens came together to honour his memory.

The President conveyed his deepest condolences to the late Molana Mayen’s wife, his children and grandchildren, relatives, friends, and former colleagues, as well as the people of Kuajok and Gogrial in Warrap State.

The reception of his remains in Juba marked the beginning of the final farewell to a veteran public servant whose professional life was closely connected to the development and administration of the South Sudanese state.

As the country mourns his passing, Molana Mayen Wol Jong will be remembered for his decades of dedicated service, his contribution to public administration, and his commitment to the national interest.

May the soul of Molana Mayen Wol Jong rest in eternal peace.

— Analysis and additional reporting by Juba Global News Network.