Photo|Courtesy

Former Speaker of the Upper Nile State Legislative Assembly, Hon. Joseph Deng Faroj, died in Juba on Saturday, June 20, according to a condolence message issued by the Upper Nile State Government.

In a statement, the Ministry of Information and Communication described Faroj as a humble and dedicated leader whose death is a significant loss to Upper Nile State and South Sudan.

Faroj was a veteran politician who played a key role in the state’s legislature during the early years of South Sudan’s independence.

He rose to prominence in 2011 as Acting Speaker of the Upper Nile State Legislative Assembly following the prolonged illness of then Speaker Chol Choli Arop. During that period, he oversaw parliamentary proceedings and helped steer the assembly through a leadership transition.

In October 2013, Governor Simon Kun Puoch removed Chol Choli Arop from office under Articles 47 and 48 of the State Transitional Constitution and appointed Faroj as Speaker of the assembly.

The appointment followed reported disagreements between the governor and the former speaker over the dissolution of specialized committees and the election of a deputy speaker.

As Speaker, Faroj led the assembly during a period of major political and security challenges in Upper Nile State.

Tributes from government officials, colleagues, and community leaders have described him as a respected statesman and committed public servant whose contributions to public service will be remembered.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.