40 Days Later: Remembering Amb. Gen. Bior-Asuot Ajang Duot Bior-Kweigak

By Deng Duot D’Ajur, Brisbane, Australia

Friday, 27 September 2024 (PW) — On the morning of Wednesday 14 August 2024, I found a missed call from Deng Duot-thith Bior. When I returned his call at 5:59 A.M., he delivered devastating news: “I have bad news for you, and I want you to be strong. General Bior-Col has fallen.” Shocked, I asked which hospital he was taken to. Deng replied, “We just came home from the funeral home.” Our conversation lasted barely two minutes before I ended the call, my heart shattered beyond belief.

The loss of General Bior-Asuot Ajang Duot, popularly known as Bior-Chol within the family, hit me harder than when Akol Athian and Ajangthuc Bior Duot returned without my father in 1995. Battling psychological and emotional distress, I reached out to Uncle Kuir Garangthii and Manyok Monychol Lueth. We shouldered the solemn duty of informing our relatives and community elders before social media could spread the news.

General Bior Ajang profoundly impacted my life since 1995, leaving an indelible mark. My father, like many of his generation, had joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Army and Movement (SPLA/M). Duot Deng Jok trained at Bonga Camp, graduating in 1984 to join the Agrab battalion with a Soviet-made PK machine gun.

Growing up during the SPLA-led revolution, I frequently heard names whose significance in our history I didn’t yet grasp. I recall Captain Lual Deng Thon, Captain Bul Bior Aguer, Mayom Mamour Duot, and Duot Deng Jok gathering under trees, discussing Dr. John Garang de Mabior, Cde Kerubino Bol, Cde William Nyuon, Cde Salva Kiir, and Cde Arok Thon Arok. Later, I understood these were members of the SPLA/M’s Permanent High Military and Political Command (PHMC), key architects of the war effort.

In lieu of modern computer games, my childhood play involved wargames using bullet shells as military pieces. We children would assign roles of commanding officers to figures like General Bior, General Biar Atem Ajang, Chol Gai Arop, George Athor Deng Dut, and William Deng Garang Beny in our mock battles.

By 1993 and 1994, General Bior Ajang had become a prominent figure, known for defending civilians affected by the 1991 SPLA split. He made a pivotal decision when SPLA-mainstream cattle were entrusted to my late father. A substantial herd was kept at our home, belonging to the SPLA under Bior Ajang Duot’s command.

In 1995, my father fell in battle during the Ayod operation, defending Panyagor as a command post headquarters. General Bior made another significant gesture, rewarding my father posthumously with one heifer. This act of kindness, beyond our shared family ties as members of Bior-kueigaak, left a lasting impression.

General Bior departed for a new assignment in late 1997. The heifer he gifted us became instrumental in our extended family’s affairs, later contributing to a marriage arrangement as per Dinka tradition. As I left our village to pursue education in Equatoria, General Bior and I lost touch until 2018. Following Dinka custom, my mother named the cow “gum-baar,” signifying its role in sustaining us after my father’s passing.

In 2018, contemplating joining the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF), I sought General Bior’s counsel. Our phone conversation led to a meeting at his Juba residence, where we engaged in a profound, hour-long discussion about my aspirations and the importance of military service. His insights proved deeply inspirational, shaping my perspective on following in the footsteps of his generation.

August 2019 brought me back to South Sudan, coinciding with the loss of Eng. Bior-Maror Ajang Duot. General Bior’s home was filled with mourners awaiting the arrival of the engineer’s body from England. Our interaction was brief due to my tight schedule, which included visits to my mother in Uganda and mother-in-law in Kenya.

That evening, while driving Uncle Yaak Dut Yaak home from General Bior’s residence, I was regaled with stories of my great-grandfather Jok Ajur. Uncle Yaak described Jokdit as a fearless warrior who earned the friendship and respect of Duot Bior-kweigak, though that’s a tale for another time.

My third visit to South Sudan in 2021, intended for cadet training at Dr. John Military College, was extended to nine months due to logistical issues. This period allowed for frequent visits to General Bior’s residence, deepening our connection and revealing his dedication to his people and country. Alongside Major-General Bior-matoto Kuir Deng, he introduced me to various defense and government officials.

On April 9, 2021, we visited General Thomas Douth Guet, then Director-General of the General Intelligence Bureau (GIB). The respect accorded to General Bior was evident in the soldiers’ salutes and our immediate access. Unfortunately, political changes the next day affected our plans, but General Bior’s influence and respect remained clear.

In May 2021, we met with the new spy chief, General Simon Yien Makuach. General Bior’s prestige was again apparent, and General Simon promised upcoming training opportunities with French and Italian security agencies. This experience showcased General Bior’s commitment to helping me achieve my defense aspirations.

Our day concluded with a visit to Captain Garang Wal Mayen Ayii, hospitalized from an accidental gunshot. The captain’s joy at seeing General Bior highlighted the general’s enduring connection to the soldiers he once led, even out of government.

On July 29, 2021, while en route to Sultan Deng Ajang Ajak’s funeral, General Bior and I discussed the flooding of the Nile basin and its impact on Twic East County. His concern for flood mitigation demonstrated his ongoing commitment to his homeland’s welfare. At the funeral, General Bior’s speech honored the late sultan’s contributions to the war effort of 1993 and beyond.

General Bior’s dedication extended to practical efforts against flooding. He personally transported sandbags to Twic East headquarters and Panyagor, showcasing his hands-on approach to community challenges. As Chairman of the Twic East Community, he strived to foster honest public discourse about the region’s needs.

Reflecting on the 40 days since his passing, I’m struck by a sense of unreality. Despite death’s inevitability, part of me expects to find him still sitting under the tree, ready for conversation, should I return to South Sudan.

Throughout our interactions, I observed General Bior’s consistent positivity and avoidance of controversial topics. He regularly congratulated newly appointed defense officials and advocated for veterans’ welfare. His suggestion to study the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam’s impact on regional relations exemplified his forward-thinking approach to national security.

General Bior Ajang stood as a voice of reason amidst political and military tensions, advocating for the protection of citizens over displays of military might. His integrity and focus on public welfare set him apart in a world often dominated by self-interest.

His influence extended to social reforms, such as advocating for marriage without cattle dowries in the 1990s, a decision that shaped the current generation in Bor South, Twic East, and Duk counties. He also worked with humanitarian agencies to support displaced families and children in need.

My last conversation with General Bior on July 13, 2024, centered on his hopes to visit Australia, despite previous visa rejections possibly influenced by political interference. His optimism in the face of these challenges was characteristic of his resilient spirit.

General Bior Ajang Duot’s legacy touches countless South Sudanese lives, both through personal interactions and his broader influence. As a pivotal figure in our nation’s history, his contributions will undoubtedly be chronicled in future books honoring his service. May General Bior Ajang Duot rest in peace, his memory an enduring inspiration to us all.

Deng Duot Deng D’Ajur is a concerned South Sudanese Australian who can be reached via his email: Deng Duot <dengduotdeng@gmail.com>

Tribute to the Late Lt. Gen. Amb. Bior Ajang Duot (Bior-Asuod): A Rare Breed of a Leader

By Peter Deng Bior Agwek, Juba, South Sudan

Late Lt Gen Amb. Bior Ajang Duot (Bior-asuod) was a rare breed of a leader, who befriend all South Sudanese including a young child (menh kondook). On top of his priority was the liberation of South Sudan and achievement of the freedom of its people. It is a typical mission of a man whose intention is to let his people live in liberty! 

In his liberation days he never absconded any mission assigned to him by his Commander and Leader Dr. John Garang, due to sickness. Even the toughest missions handed to him would be executed in later and spirit. Bior would only come back with a success report to his Boss. He was one of the dictionaries of the movement and the liberation struggle.   

At the time of the signing of the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA) and before the crush of Dr. John Garang Asuod was commissioned with four of his colleagues in the high command to organize for integration of SPLA forces to the unified armed forces of the Sudan. This was based on the trust John Garang bestowed on him. He knew him as confident, secretive and committed officer among his top officers. Commander Bior never sways from his targets.

One reference to how Bior’s strong leadership in the army and for his people manifested was when he left for the bush at a time when he was a head teacher of Kongor primary. He left with his pupils and teachers toward Lou Nuer area in Jonglei state. When an order came for the top commander to be airlifted from Tiergol,  he refused  and opted to lead his troops on foot to Itang the destination in Ethiopia, against the will of the movement leader John Garang de Mabior. His care and leadership have a rooting to the family where he was brought up as the son of a paramount chief Ajang Duot of Pande Bior Ajang in Kongor Community.

In the lane of history, Cdr Bior-Asuod was sent on a mission to Jonglei state in 1993, unfortunately his convoy broke down at tingili desert. He instantly reached out to inform Dr John Garang about the incident and notify him of the thirst that befell his forces. In his response, John Garang told him that water will come shortly and at a blink of an eye, a dark cloud formed above them and rained without further delay and the forces quenched their thirst. It is insinuated that the two had been bounded in secrets by God. God is their witness! I also witnessed events as they unfolded.

In the same area, while asleep on the bonnet of a Hino truck packed under a big tree, I was nearly swallowed by a python. Fortunately, Asuod who had laid to relax on the grass on the side of the truck, rescued me by shooting the descending giant snake after a noise alert from the soldier on duty. He saved my life!

While at the desert, Gen Kuol Manyang Jook was ordered by C-in-C Dr. John Garang to deliver spare parts for the Hino and proceed with late Lt Gen Bior-Asuod along with other commanders of the liberation struggle to disperse militias around Bor in Jonglei state to pave way for a possible capture of the town. The mission was accomplished but he reached out to the militia leaders for a peaceful settlement so as to lead one agenda for the freedom of the south Sudanese. Late Bior-Asuod did his work to perfection and died a happy man. He was a man of Peace and Unity!  

Upon his relieve from the Docket of the Ministry of Defense and Veteran affairs as an Undersecretary for Defense, he opted to sit under a big tree at his residence in Amarat estate where he supported his community in addressing communal issues. One of the days, he was visited by his comrade Gen. Deng-amocharep Kuirot Deng. With a light moment in reflection of the good days, Gen Deng persuaded Bior to get themselves pet dogs and name them. Pet dogs naming in Dinka is an expression of an inner feeling about the events around the society. Bior-col challenged his comrade to name his so he brought a leave. Amocharep named his pet “Piny cak bany ke” literally meaning the earth is creating its new leaders. Bior-col at that point told him that his pet would be called (tit baai) referring to a group of elders who escorted the red army to Ethiopia in 1986-1987. Later they got trained through the order of Dr John Garang so as to go back home and cultivate, protect cows as a reserve food for the soldiers of the liberation and to protect homeland. This was their contributions at their age as the youth fight for freedom from the oppressor. A very noble commitment!  

In another show of leadership and generosity, when I got sick in 2012, Gen Bior-Asuod upon learning my unwellness, in a rush booked air ticket for me to be taken to Uganda for treatment. I was hospitalized for 14 days. His support was supplemented by My Minister of Education, science and technology Dr. John Gai Yoah, Mabor Tur Deng, John Ajak Maguang and Diing Bul Atem. I got well and credit goes to him and the responsible gentlemen. Again, he saved my life!

All these would be meaningless if his last responsibility on earth is not mentioned. Bior-Asuod was the chairman of the council at St. Emmanuel Parish in Juba, episcopal church of South Sudan of the Anglican Communion. This is yet another testimony of how Christ chose him to preach his word and deliver his people from the bondage of evil and earthly oppression. This resembles the liberation struggle he participated in with his comrades. He died while serving the people of God. Bior died pure!

There are many testimonies that can be told about the leadership, courage, care and the generosity of the late Lt Gen Amb Bior-Asuod Ajang Duot. I cannot exhaust on my own but many South Sudanese and Sudanese who crossed path with him will tell. It could be seen during his death that he was truly a man of the people, leader, caring parent and a symbol of liberation and unity. He was indeed a friend of the South Sudanese. As South Sudanese what have we leant in the death of late Gen Bior-Asuod. To me Bior-Asuod has left us Unity and friendship.  The challenge remains with you, what have you learnt in his death?

In conclusion, I echo to Cdr Yassir Arman, Malik Agaar, Abdelaziz Alhilu, while Gen Bior-Asuod has breathed his last air as a man who had been delegated by our late chairman Dr John Garang de Mabior to work closely with you on the liberation issues, please execute the mission and the vision they both left with you for your people.

To our president Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit, thank you for standing with your comrade Gen Bior Ajang Duot and his family on his last days in death. I quote your message to the mourners at the residence of Lt Gen Bior “if the big tree has fallen people must be very strong and support the family of Decease” This was your condolence message on the fateful day to the grievers and the family. Should he resurrect today, he will still remain steadfast and loyal to the government and the mission both of you sacrificed your lives for. Like you never betrayed John Garang, Bior never betrays. Long live Lt. Gen Bior-Asuod (Omega one-five)! (Omega 15) Long live South Sudan! Aluta Continua!

If you want to submit an opinion article, commentary, or news analysis, please email it to the editor: info@paanluelwel.com or paanluel2011@gmail.com. PaanLuel Wël Media (PW) website does reserve the right to edit or reject material before publication. Please include your full name, a short biography, email address, city, and the country you are writing from.

About Post Author