SSPDF division one commander Major-General David Manyok Barach. Photo via Facebook

JUBA – South Sudan People’s Defense Forces’s Infantry Division 1 commander Major-General David Manyok Barach has died of coronavirus in the country’s capital Juba, following weeks of infection, according to several security sources.

General Barach died on Friday morning at a local hospital in Juba where he has been receiving life-saving treatment, according to a senior military officer close to him.

“This is to confirm the news on social media that Major General David Manyok Barach is no more,” the military source said. “He died this morning in a hospital here in Juba from the coronavirus and he tested positive for the coronavirus two weeks ago.”

‘Celebrated soldier’

South Sudanese social media users poured in condolence messages describing the late commander as a celebrated soldier who has contributed to the liberation of the world’s youngest country from 1983.

“South Sudan has just lost a liberator and a celebrated soldier, Major-General David Manyok Barac, who passed away with in Juba this morning,” one social media user wrote. “He will be missed by all and his achievements will live forever.”

Another social media user pointed to the army commander’s role in defense of the government in Juba following the outbreak of the civil war in December 2013 saying he saved the nation from collapse.

“Because of his love for his people and his country, he defended the country from collapse and if he wasn’t there for defense, Riek [Machar] would have takeover our government by force.” - Sudans Post