The New York Times published on 1 November 2026 an obituary titled "Joseph Lagu, Who Led Independence Movement in Southern Sudan, Has Died" by Clay Risen.
Joseph Lagu, leader of the Southern Sudanese independence movement, Anya Nya, and second vice president in the Sudan government from 1982-1985, died in Juba at age 94. He served in numerous other capacities, including as Sudan's ambassador to the United Nations from 1990-1992.
Comment: While serving as the deputy chief of mission at the American embassy in Khartoum, I met on several occasions with then second Vice President Lagu in the Gaafar Nimeiry government. Lagu was accessible, decent, and committed to the cause of Southern Sudanese independence. He was also highly frustrated by his lack of influence in the Nimeiry government.
