Yei Mourns Veteran SSPDF General John Hakim Eliyoba ‘Omoyo’

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Yei River County are mourning the death of veteran South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) officer, Major General Liwa John Hakim Eliyoba, popularly known as Commander Omoyo, who passed away in Juba on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.

Family members confirmed that the respected military officer died while undergoing treatment in the capital, bringing to an end decades of service to the liberation struggle and the national army.

Across Yei and beyond, tributes have continued to pour in from former comrades, friends, and community members who described General Omoyo as a dedicated freedom fighter, patriot, and leader who devoted his life to the service of South Sudan.

Mourners said General Omoyo joined the armed liberation struggle in the early 1980s under the leadership of the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior and remained committed to the cause throughout his military career.

In a tribute shared on social media, mourner 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.

He added that General Omoyo would be remembered for his courage, discipline, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the nation.

“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 the country’s history,” Gaga stated.

Another mourner, Wayi Bizi Lo Wani, described the late officer as one of the pioneering sons of Equatoria who joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) in 1983.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Maj. Gen. John Hakim Eliyoba, affectionately known as Omoyo. He offered his youth and gave his entire life for the liberation and birth of this nation,” he wrote.

Wayi extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the Kakwa community, 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 defense institutions. His death marks the loss of one of Equatoria’s prominent sons and a respected figure in the country’s military history.