Three days of official mourning for Cdr Yousif Kuwa Mekki

SPLM/SPLA
April 1, 2001

The Chairman and C-in-C SPLM/SPLA with regret, sad and heavy heart announces the untimely death of Cdr Yousif Kuwa Mekki. Cdr Yousif passed away yesterday Saturday 31st March 2001 in a UK-hospital after a long and brave struggle with cancer.

Cdr Yousif has been a prominent member of the SPLM/SPLA and has been part of the Movement Leadership since 1986 where he held several key positions. He was known and loved by all and his death is therefore a loss to all the people of the New Sudan as a whole.

However, we take solace from the fact that the people of the New Sudan are resilient and capable of producing more people of the caliber and stature of Cdr Yousif Kuwa that will bring the struggle to its logical conclusion which is the realization of the New Sudan.

The memory of Comrade Yousif will live forever and shall remain an inspiration to all in the struggle. In this regard, I on behalf of the SPLM Leadership Council, the rank and file of the SPLA and the entire population of the New Sudan express our heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Cdr Yousif who will be sorely missed by all of us.

I also take this opportunity to announce a period of three (3) days official mourning all over the New Sudan from today 1st, April to 3rd April, 2001 inclusive.

May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace!

Dr John Garang De Mabior, Chairman and C-in-C, SPLM/SPLA.