Deceased former US diplomat Roger Winter greets Dr. John Garang De Mabior. (Photo: Reuters).

South Sudanese citizens and leaders are mourning the death of former American diplomat Roger Winter, who is seen to have immensely contributed in the country’s struggle for independence.

Roger passed away in the US on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. He was aged 79.

His demise came as a shock to many South Sudanese, who have conveyed their condolences to the family and friends of a man who is equally a hero.

Former SPLM Secretary-General, Pagan Amum Okiech, now a member of Non-Signatory groups, describes Roger Winter as a steadfast and passionate supporter of the cause of the people of South Sudan.

“We received the sad news of the passing of uncle Roger Winter. (He) was a steadfast passionate supporter of the cause of the people of South Sudan, and all the marginalized people of Sudan in the Nuba mountain, Southern Blue Nile, Darfur, and Eastern Sudan,” Amum said.

In a statement, the official said the people of South Sudan have lost a friend and a companion of their cause.

He added that Roger will be missed and remembered forever by the people of South Sudan.

Amum further said Roger Winter has joined Dr. John Garang and other heroes because he [Roger] is one of them.

“During the liberation struggles he would visit so many villages in South Sudan, Nuba mountain, Blue Nile, Darfur, and Eastern Sudan where he brings them hope,” he recalls.

Yassir Arman, former SPLM leader and a member of SPLM north also mourned the passing of Roger Winter.

In a tweet seen by Eye Radio, Arman said he is in a deep sorrow to have learned about Roger’s death.

“I learned, with deep sorrow, that Roger Winter has departed our world,” he tweeted on Monday.

“He was a friend to many of us and a great supporter of the cause of peace and democracy in Sudan, particularly when he was a US Special Envoy to Sudan,” said Arman.

Before his demise, Roger, a former United States Envoy to Sudan had been a vocal diplomat, putting pressure on both Washington and Khartoum about the South Sudanese quest for an independent state.

Following the country’s secession in 2011, Roger Winter was granted Honorary Citizenship of the republic of South Sudan by President Salva Kiir.

Former Petroleum Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth also eulogizes the late as a passionate advocate for the helpless, and especially for the people of South Sudan.

Lul said that Roger is a hero who will never be forgotten.

South Sudanese online also celebrated the life of the man they called uncle Roger.

“The hero has fallen. This is a tragic loss to the people of South Sudan and the United States. Roger was a diehard supporter of our freedom. He will never be forgotten and his legacy will live on”, Akok Madut tweets after his death.

“Recognizing people who helped us during our dark days is our culture. We owe him thanks”, Geng D. Mniydet wrote.

“Indeed, he was the man who played a major role in the comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that handed us today South Sudan,” Silvestro Akara Bahkiet said.

Roger Winter will be buried in Columbia, Maryland USA on February 4, 2023. South Sudanese living in the US are urged to attend his burial in honor of his contribution to the cause of South Sudan and Sudan.

He had been working for Sudan and South Sudan since the 1980s.