Aweil East County Mourns a Veteran Chief
The long-serving paramount chief of Madhol Payam in Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Lual Malong Yor, has died aged 80. Family sources said he passed away at Aweil Civil Hospital on Saturday morning after a prolonged illness.
Family Account Points to Diabetes Complications
His stepbrother, Diing Malong Yor, said the chief had lived with diabetes for several years. Diing stated that Lual died at the hospital before a planned operation on his feet, after an amputation had been considered for both legs.
Doctors’ Concerns: Anaemia, Malaria and Infection
Diing said medical teams had planned an amputation, but later discovered the patient was anaemic. He added that malaria was also identified, and argued that the combined infections worsened the chief’s condition. “He had been suffering from a diabetic infection for ages,” Diing wrote in a Facebook statement (Sudans Post).
Community Legacy and a Freedom Fighter Reputation
Diing described the late chief as known for service to the community, and as a freedom fighter. In local governance, such figures often bridge customary authority and civic life, making their passing felt beyond immediate family circles.
Succession Line Linked to Malong Yor Lual
Lual Malong Yor succeeded his father, Malong Yor Lual, also known as Malong Muor-Anguek, who died on August 10, 2020. Family and community accounts described the late Malong as the third in the Ajuong chieftaincy reign and a significant local figure.
Ajuongdit Chieftaincy Roots Since 1955
According to the same accounts, Malong was appointed paramount chief of Ajuongdit in 1955, shortly before Sudan’s independence. The dates underline how the chieftaincy has been interwoven with major political transitions across generations.
Burial Plans in Madhol Payam Await Date
The family said the late chief is survived by several sons and wives. Relatives are expected to take his body to his home village in Madhol Payam for burial, with the date to be announced.
Officials and Residents Pay Tribute Across Northern Bahr el Ghazal
Government officials from Greater Ajuong, Aweil East County, and Greater Northern Bahr el Ghazal State are mourning his life this week, according to family accounts. The mourning reflects the chief’s standing within traditional leadership structures in the area.