Damanga and the people of Darfur and Sudan Mourn the Death of Dr. John Garang

Damanga Press Release 2 August 2005

The news of the untimely death of Dr. John Garang is a tragedy to the people of Sudan. It has shocked and saddened us deeply. Sorrow and tears fill our hearts as we remember Garang and the hope he gave to so many Sudanese and Africans. Garang was one of Sudan’s greatest leaders who led our country to a real peace after one of the longest civil wars in history. As Vice President of Sudan, Garang was received by thousands of supporters, both Arab and African. His leadership gave hope to so many people in Sudan, especially to those who have been marginalized, because of their ethnicity and race.

Speculation, anger and protest over the cause of Garangs death must be put aside until a full investigation can be carried out. We ask the International Community to carry out this investigation and to find the reasons that caused the accident.

It is our hope that Garang’s legacy will inspire other leaders to go forward and follow the dreams and goals that Garang devoted his life to achieve. Damanga encourages Garang’s supporters and the Sudanese Government to continue working towards a lasting peace for Sudan and Darfur. Damanga also urges the International Community, in particular the U.S. government, to redouble its efforts to achieve a comprehensive and durable peace in Sudan. In particular, the Sudanese government must be pressured to carry out all commitments to end the genocide in Darfur. Dr. Garang's hope for peace in Darfur must not be forgotten and his commitment to help the marginalized people of Sudan must be continued.

In this moment of great loss Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy wishes to express our deepest sympathy to Dr. Garang’s, family, his friends and supporters.

Mr. Mohamed Adam Yahya,
Chairman and Spokesman,
Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy
(formerly the Representatives of the Massaleit Community in Exile)
USA.
Email: mohamed.yahya@damanga.org; tel. 434.409.9638.
Visit the Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy Web site for previous reports on human rights abuses in western Sudan <http://www.damanga.org/>