(Previously published at http://pacodes.blogspot.com/)
2/10/2009
On February 10th,
Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhur-gon, the Vice-President of the government of
Southern Sudan (GOSS), flew from Leer to Ganyliel to attend the Late
Ruei Kuong’s funeral service. The Funeral, which was to take place on February 09th, was adjourned for a day to accommodate Dr. Machar’s schedule delays.
Late Chief Ruei Kuong who hailed from Nyuong Nuer sub-clan, passed away last year on December 31st
at age 92. The Late was a former Anya Anya I movement veteran and was a
person of unique character. He loved and embraced all people he
encountered. The Late called all people his brothers, sisters and
beloved “children.” Known as “Gat-Kuong,” the
Late was a champion of fair treatment and equality. He was often known
by equal treatment of his wives, which earned him the popular saying
amongst the Nyuong Nuer, “par ke juoch cha mahn Ruei Kuong,” in English
language meaning “equal as the wives of Ruei Kuong.”
His
funeral service was scheduled 40 days after his death as Nuer culture
demands. Presence of Dr. Machar at the funeral was a grand respect for
the Late and his contributions to the Southern Sudan liberation
struggle. It also signaled that the Late has a place amongst the
greatest elders of the Paramount Chiefs of the Nuer tribe. The funeral
was attended by the late Gat-Kuong’s children who some had travelled
from Australia, Kenya and various parts of Sudan. The Nyuong people and
guests at the funeral were grateful for the contributions of Gat-Kuong
to the Nuer and entire Southern Sudan family.
Dr.
Machar also had a chance to meet with another ailing Nuer Paramount
Chief Malual Wun Kuoth. After the funeral service, Dr. Machar left
Ganyliel for Thar Jiath Liech (place believed to be the birth place of the Nuer people), in Koch County.
Forwarded by Sam Lony Geng.
