South Sudan declares 13 November a public holiday for Lagu
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Radio Tamazuj
South Sudan will make Friday 13 November 2026 a public holiday to allow people to attend the state funeral of General Joseph Lagu Yanga. The religious service will begin at 6am at All Saints Cathedral in Juba, according to the funeral committee.
South Sudan will make Friday 13 November 2026 a public holiday to allow people to attend the state funeral of General Joseph Lagu Yanga, former leader of the Anyanya movement, the high-level funeral committee announced on Wednesday. Its spokesperson, Ambassador John Andruga Duku, said civil servants, employees of international organisations and other citizens could attend the ceremonies or follow them from home.
The religious service will begin at 6am at the All Saints Cathedral of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan in Juba, before the remains are transferred to the burial site east of the Pope Francis Pavilion, near the John Garang Mausoleum. The committee asked those attending to arrive early because of security checks and is working with the National Communication Authority to facilitate journalists' access.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday opened the public viewing of Joseph Lagu’s remains at the National Parliament in Juba. The body is to be transferred on Thursday to the family home to allow relatives to pay their respects.
The funeral follows the death of Joseph Lagu at the age of 95, announced on 27 October 2026, in the death of South Sudanese general Joseph Lagu at 95. On 4 November, Salva Kiir opened the condolence book for Joseph Lagu to collect tributes.
