South Sudan’s National Member of Parliament, Hon. Ali Adlan Nur Aldeen Abdul Khair, has died following a prolonged illness.

Hon. Ali Adlan, who represented Maban County in Upper Nile State, was a long-serving member of the national parliament. He was elected to a constitutional seat in 2010, during a pivotal period in South Sudan’s history that preceded the country’s independence in 2011 after decades of struggle against the Khartoum government.

Tributes have poured in from fellow lawmakers, government officials, political leaders and long-time friends, who described the late MP as an ambitious and committed public servant who entered politics at a young age.

Members of parliament remembered Hon. Ali Adlan as a dedicated representative who believed strongly in national unity and worked tirelessly in the interests of his constituents and the country.

According to colleagues, he had been seeking medical treatment and specialist consultations in several countries for a long time, but his illness was not successfully diagnosed.

Political leaders from across different groups described him as a respected statesman and champion of his people, saying South Sudan had lost a valuable leader whose contribution and character would not be forgotten.

The Speaker of Parliament also paid tribute, describing Hon. Ali Adlan as a committed legislator who consistently advocated for the unity and stability of South Sudan.

Hon. Ali Adlan died while serving as a member of the national parliament. His body is expected to be transported to his hometown in Upper Nile State for burial.