By Kwek Aleu Garang, USA
Sunday, 19 October 2025 (PW) — With great grief, Colonel Kuek Garang Atem died on October 5th, 2025, in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.
Born on January 5, 1965, in Pawel, Twic East County, Colonel Kuek Garang Atem dedicated his life to the service of his people and the pursuit of justice and freedom for the South Sudanese People.
He began his educational journey at Bortown Primary School and later completed his high school diploma at Malek Secondary School.
However, in 1983, instead of pursuing higher education, he made the courageous decision to join the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in March 1984, at the age of 19. He was militarily trained as part of the Second Axis of the Koryom Division, Bilpam Battalion, and later enlisted in the Elephant Battalion. He was first wounded in the Battle of Jokou near the Ethiopian border and again in the fight at Magalitoria. Besides numerous battles, in 1992, in the Battle of Juba, his unit broke through the enemy line, killing many Sudanese army officers inside Juba, earning him promotion to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
Col. Kuek Garang Atem’s commitment to his country was unmatched, marked by unwavering devotion to his people. He served gallantly as freedom fighter and earned many ranks until he was promoted as a Colonel in the National Immigration Police and held the position of Police officer in Twic East County, assigned to train the police in Bortown and later assigned as Chief immigration officer in Kaya at DR Congo border, Renk at Sudan border, and at South Sudan’s border with Kenya in Nadepal, contributing to the safety and stability of the region.
Besides being a freedom fighter, Col. Kuek Garang was a remarkably beloved husband, father, uncle, and brother, epitomizing family values that he held dear. His kindness, humility, and gentle approach to every situation engraved a lasting impression on those around him. His fervent manner reverberated not only within his family but also among his military comrades, who cherished his spirit of camaraderie.
As a liberator and compassionate family man, he will forever be remembered with profound honor and love. Col. Kuek Garang Atem left a considerable impact, but his contributions to South Sudan are engraved in the history book of freedom fighters, and the ardency he illustrated to those fortunate enough to know him will never be forgotten.
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