As we gather today, united by love and a deep sense of loss, we remember a remarkable man, Gen. Amb. Comrade Bior Ajang Duot, known to his colleagues as Bior Aswad, Bior Chol, Bior Biting, Bior Algises, and many other affectionate nicknames. I first met Bior in 1984 when we were both deployed to the headquarters of Dr. John Garang. Over a decade later, in 2005, we were among the first commanders to be commissioned as Major Generals and appointed deputies to the Chief of General Staff. Throughout our long struggle, Bior and I shared many successes and setbacks.
In his lifetime, Bior was many things: a grandfather, father, husband, uncle, son, friend, liberator, devout Christian, mentor, community leader, commander, healer, and counselor. Gen. Bior was a beacon of hope, a pillar of strength, and a companion in both joy and sorrow. He was a man of integrity and deep love for his children, teaching them the values of hard work, honesty, perseverance, and compassion. As a husband, he made his family feel secure and cherished.
Gen. Bior was not only a friend but also a mentor and teacher to many. He demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and lived a life full of extraordinary moments and simple joys. Humble by nature, Bior made friends easily, valued friendship more than blood relations, and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Above all, he was a man of integrity whose actions spoke louder than words.
As a liberator, hero, and comrade in arms, Gen. Bior embodied strength, courage, and resilience. He inspired all his soldiers during our struggle and served as a guiding light and hope within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/SPLA) during turbulent times. He was a fighter and a warrior, confronting every challenge with fierce determination. Bior was among the commanders who kept the SPLM/SPLA alive during the movement’s split in 1991.
Throughout his life, Bior faced numerous life-threatening battles and challenges:
The battle of Jekow in 1987, where he and his forces were cornered by the enemy.
The Bright Star campaign in Eastern Equatoria, which led to the liberation of the region in 1989.
The liberation of Kaya, Morobo, and Lanya in 1990, during preparations to liberate Western Equatoria.
The capture of Ibba in 1990, after crossing many rivers without bridges.
The battle of Maridi in 1991, where he pushed enemy forces into the town, leading to its capture.
Leading operations against the Nasir faction in Bor, Jalle, and Lilir during the SPLM/SPLA split in 1991. The Operation Jungle Storm (OJS) against Juba in 1992.
Fighting the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) while crossing into Sudan in 1998 and liberating Liria, which cut off Torit from Juba. Opening the Darfur front, where he faced the possibility of being shot down by enemy fire in turbulent weather.
By the grace of God, Bior survived these battles to witness the independence of South Sudan in 2011 and continued to contribute to its development in various capacities.
Bior was also a community leader, serving as the chairperson of the Twic East community. A talented basketball player and a devout Christian, he spent much of his Sundays in church. His thirst for education led him to pursue a Ph.D., and he passed away as a candidate for that degree. As stated in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Bior indeed lived by these words.
Commander Bior detested tribalism, nepotism, and corruption, and his legacy continues to stand against these vices. He died without wealth, with no family house or bank account, and was a source of unity within the SPLA forces. Bior faced challenges with unusual bravery, turning obstacles into opportunities and victories. Known for his humor and storytelling, he often entertained his forces, and if you heard Dr. John Garang laughing, CDR Bior was likely nearby.
As we bid farewell to Gen. Amb. Comrade Bior Ajang Duot, let us reflect on the valuable lessons he taught us. Let his legacy of unity, reconciliation, comradeship, forgiveness, and tenacity guide us in our mission to develop a prosperous South Sudan. May his spirit inspire us to confront economic, security, and environmental challenges. We pray for strength and wisdom for his wife, Man Awake, and his children to continue his legacy.
Commander Bior, on behalf of your colleagues and myself, I want to assure you that your legacy of courage, resilience, strength, humility, wisdom, and above all, your love for your country and its people will continue to inspire us for many years to come.
I will close with a quote from our national anthem:
“Oh Great patriots, let us stand up in silence and respect, saluting our martyrs whose blood cemented our national foundation. We vow to protect our nation. Oh God bless South Sudan.”
Thank you all.
