Israeli veteran David Uri Ben-Uziel has returned to South Sudan to receive a state honor, more than five decades after his involvement in the southern liberation struggle.

The Office of the President said Ben-Uziel arrived in the country to receive one of the highest military recognitions awarded by the state.

In a ceremony at the Presidency, President Salva Kiir Mayardit conferred upon him the honorary rank of General in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and placed him on the force’s non-active list.

The recognition honours his role in supporting the Anyanya movement during the 1960s and 1970s.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ben-Uziel recalled the origins of his involvement in South Sudan. “The head of Mossad appointed me to command over the operation of assisting the people of South Sudan,” he said. “Assisting the South Sudanese became my life mission. I decided I would do everything it takes to change the circumstances in South Sudan forever.”

Ben-Uziel worked with Anyanya fighters during the period of armed resistance in southern Sudan. His involvement included training and coordination with fighters before the signing of the Addis Ababa Agreement in 1972.

The Presidency said the honor reflects recognition of individuals who contributed to the liberation struggle that eventually led to the independence of South Sudan in 2011.

Officials at the event said the award places Ben-Uziel among figures acknowledged for their role in the early phases of the movement.

The ceremony was attended by government officials and members of the security sector.

Ben-Uziel’s return comes more than half a century after his time with the Anyanya movement, marking a moment that government officials described as recognition of historical ties and contributions linked to South Sudan’s formation.