Former Commissioner Wai Wai Laid to Rest in Yei

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The body of the late retired Police General and former Commissioner of Yei River County, Elia Yoani Wai Wai, arrived in Yei on Tuesday afternoon to an emotional reception by hundreds of mourners. The 88 year old veteran passed away in Juba at Gudele Hospital after suffering heart failure.

Government officials, church leaders, relatives and residents gathered at Yei Airstrip to receive the late general’s remains, honouring a man widely remembered for his service, discipline, and faith.

General Wai Wai began his career in the Sudanese Police Service before the independence of South Sudan in 2011. After independence, he was appointed Commissioner of Yei River County, where he served for eight months before leaving public office to pursue a spiritual calling.

He later joined the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, where he was ordained as a pastor — a move his family described as an expression of his humility and faith in God.

Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme, who led the reception ceremony, described the late Wai Wai as “a man of integrity and service whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.”

“Death comes in its own time, and today God has chosen his moment,” Commissioner Taban said. “We must all remember that our time will also come, and what matters most is how we serve humanity before that day.”

Commissioner Taban thanked local authorities, religious leaders, and the community for coming together to ensure the late general’s dignified return to his homeland.

Representing the family, Khemis Paul Mabe expressed appreciation to both the government and the church for their cooperation:

“Without the support of the authorities and the faith community, this homecoming would not have been possible.”

The Inspector General of Police in Yei River County, Ali Abdul-tif, paid tribute to General Wai Wai’s long service, recalling his time as a Traffic Police Inspector in Khartoum under Sudan’s former regime before continuing his duties in South Sudan:

“Let us not grieve beyond measure,” Abdul-tif said. “God has called him to eternal rest after a lifetime of service.”

Paramount Chief Joseph Brown Lo Mosee also praised all who took part in organising the transport and reception of the body, calling on the family to remain strong in faith:

“General Elia Yoani Wai Wai will be remembered in the history of Yei and South Sudan for his dedication, humility, and lifelong commitment to peace and service.”

General Wai Wai leaves behind a family, former colleagues, and church members who described him as a pillar of peace and faith. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by the family with the help of local authorities.