NAIROBI - The Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the SPLA, Lieutenant General Paulino Matip Nhial dies in Nairobi Kenya according to the source contacted by The Upper Nile Times.
Lt Gen. Matip has been battling a chronic illness for the past three years that have seen him disappear in the public scene. His sudden death was linked to chronic diabetes and in some cases high blood pressure. He was allowed to abandon his duties and seek medical attention by the government in Juba over the last two years. He visited US in 2009 seeking cure for the same illness. Things seemed to have improved and the general then returned and begun to resume his duties as a deputy commander of the army (SPLA).
Gen. Nhial was a high ranking officer in SPLA since the inception of the movement in 1983. His differences with the late John Garang forced him to form a movement of his own until his reunion with the mainstream SPLA in 2006. Matip was also a member of Anya Nya one rebels whom started the first rebellion against the regime in Khartoum.
Matip was known for his bravery and truthful leadership. He was a respectful leader among his peers.
The Upper Nile Times
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