Residents in Bentiu, the capital of Unity State, received the news of General Paulino Matip’s death with mixed feelings and seem more worried about the floods that greatly affect the area.
Local journalist Boniface Taban told CRS that some people, especially relatives, were saddened by the news that General Matip passed away on early Wednesday in Nairobi.He said there were no big public manifestations when the state radio aired the news.
Mr Taban said the state government declared a three-day mourning period.
He added that the late General will be buried in Mayom, but funeral arrangements were not yet made public.
Mr Taban said the people of Unity State are more concerned about the desperate situation created floods that are affecting the area since July.
He explained that many people lost their houses and there is concern about an outbreak of waterborne diseases.
There is no place where to keep the cattle safe.
A source from Leer, the second biggest city in Unity State, said the local authorities closed the schools for one week to mourn the death of General Matip.
Leer was destroyed by General Matip’s militias in July 1998 when the commander separated from the faction led by Riek Machar Teny.