Sudan buries Garang, deputy to take over

Garang’s death has stunned Africa, devastated his followers in southern Sudan, triggered riots this week that left at least 130 dead, and fuelled fears the January accord to end 21 years of north-south civil war may unravel.

In a deliberate show of north-south unity, former fighters from Garang’s Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) joined Sudanese Army pallbearers to carry his coffin, draped in wreaths of pink, yellow and red flowers.

Garang’s old enemy and later partner in the peace deal, Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, stood in line to receive the coffin off a plane with South African President Thabo Mbeki and UN envoy Jan Pronk.

Leaders from around Africa, and US and European officials also gathered in Juba for the funeral.

Garang’s supporters have said they do not suspect foul play in the crash of the Ugandan presidential helicopter last weekend that killed all aboard, including the near-legendary leader.

But Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said late this week that the cause of the crash was unclear.

The SPLA nominated Garang’s lesser-known deputy and military chief Kiir to replace him. Information Minister Abdel Basit Sabderrat said Kiir’s swearing in ceremony would be muted,in stark contrast to the euphoria and pomp surrounding Garang’s swearing-in on July 9. Garang’s successor Salva Kiir has been quick to promise implementation of the peace accord.

—Reuters