(YEI, CENTRAL EQUATORIA STATE) – The body of the late Major General John Hakim Elia Soro has arrived in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, after he passed away in Juba following a prolonged illness.
Major General Soro, a veteran military officer and former liberation fighter widely known as “John Commander” or “Omoyo,” died while undergoing treatment in the capital, according to family members who spoke to Access Radio Yei News.
The remains were received by members of the Yei River County community, government officials, family members, religious leaders, friends and other mourners.
The body was later taken to his family home in Atlabara, where mourners gathered to pay their respects and stand with the bereaved family.
A Life of Military Service
General Omoyo joined the armed liberation struggle in the early 1980s under the leadership of the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior, according to Access Radio Yei News.
Wayi Bizi Lo Wani, a mourner, described the late officer as one of the pioneering sons of Equatoria who joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in 1983. “He offered his youth and gave his entire life for the liberation and birth of this nation,” he wrote.
General Omoyo served during South Sudan’s liberation struggle and later continued his service in the country’s national army, contributing to military affairs and national service, according to the One Citizen Daily Newspaper.
He also served as Director of the Signal Corps at Bilpam, the headquarters of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces in Juba, under the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the One Citizen Daily Newspaper reported in September 2026.
Tributes from Family and Community
Those mourning his death remember him for his commitment to service, discipline, courage and leadership, as well as for his contribution to the liberation struggle and the development of South Sudan’s military institutions.
His death is being mourned by family members, colleagues, former comrades and members of the wider community in Yei River County and beyond.
“His passing is a great loss to our family, colleagues, comrades, and the people of South Sudan. His legacy of service and sacrifice will remain an important part of our history,” the family said.
The family also described him as a mentor and father whose guidance and affection left a lasting impact.
“You have been my mentor, father, and, above all, a loving king. Farewell, Liwa John Hakim Elia, ‘John Commander,'” the family said.
The family has called for prayers and comfort for all those affected by his death.
In a tribute shared on social media, mourner and Yei Youth Leader Frank Gaga praised the late general for his contributions to both the liberation struggle and the development of South Sudan’s armed forces.
“Liwa John Hakim Eliyoba served the liberation struggle and later contributed to the development and service of South Sudan’s national army. He also served as Director of the Signal Corps in Bilpam, Juba, where he provided leadership and dedicated service to the country,” Gaga wrote.
Gaga added that General Omoyo would be remembered for his courage, discipline, leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation.
Wayi Bizi Lo Wani extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the Kakwa community, and the people of Yei and Central Equatoria State.
At the late general’s residence in Hai Tarawa, Yei Town, mourners gathered to pay their respects as the community awaited official communication regarding funeral and burial arrangements.
General Omoyo is widely remembered as a distinguished military officer and liberation veteran whose service spanned the struggle for independence and the subsequent development of South Sudan’s national defence institutions.
Discover more from Access Radio®
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
