Michael Othow Bol, the commissioner of Makal County in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, has died in the capital, Juba, after a long illness. He was 62.
He passed away at Juba Teaching Hospital on Sunday, his press secretary Angelina Sabit confirmed to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday.
She said his death followed a severe drop in his blood sugar levels.
Mr. Othow Bol had suffered from diabetes since 2008, a condition which had previously led to the amputation of one of his legs.
‘A significant loss’
Press Secretary Angelina said his passing was “a significant loss” to the people of Makal County.
She highlighted the initial steps he had taken to promote unity and peace among the county’s communities during his tenure.
“Commissioner Othow battled diabetes with great courage for many years. The disease had already cost him his leg, but it never diminished his commitment to his work,” she said.
Moses Ezekiel, the secretary-general of the Upper Nile State government, expressed his condolences to the commissioner’s family and the people of Makal County.
“We received the news with shock. It is a great loss to the people of Makal County and Upper Nile State,” Ezekiel said.
He described the late commissioner as having worked hard for peace and unity, praising his role in supporting reconciliation efforts.
“We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and his colleagues during this difficult time,” he added.
Michael Othow Bol was appointed as commissioner of Makal County in June by the former governor of Upper Nile State, Gen James Koang Chuol.