South Sudan on Thursday conferred an honorary military rank on Israeli veteran David Uri Ben-Uziel, recognising his support for the country’s liberation movement more than five decades ago.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit awarded Ben-Uziel the honorary rank of General in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces during a ceremony at the presidency in Juba and placed him on the force’s non-active list.
Ben-Uziel, 91, known by the nom de guerre “John,” worked with the Anyanya One rebel movement in the 1960s and 1970s under the leadership of Joseph Lagu, who fought Sudanese forces during the first civil war.
Officials said he was involved in establishing contacts between the movement and Israel, which facilitated training and logistical support, including supplies such as medicine, uniforms and communications equipment.
Ben-Uziel, a former Israeli military trainer and intelligence operative, also travelled across southern Sudan during the conflict to support coordination among rebel units, according to accounts cited at the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, he said his involvement with southern Sudanese fighters had been a privilege and praised their resilience during the struggle for self-determination.
President Kiir said the award reflects appreciation for foreign supporters who stood with the southern liberation movement, adding that ties formed during the war remained part of the historical relationship between South Sudan and Israel.
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