(Juba) – Henry Odwar, South Sudan’s former Minister of Mining and a prominent political figure, has died in the United States following a prolonged illness. His passing was confirmed on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, by Sixty 4 Tribes Press and later by sources close to his family.
Odwar reportedly died at a private hospital in the United States, where he had been receiving treatment for cancer. Although specific details surrounding the time and exact location of his death have not been made public, close family members confirmed the cause was linked to cancer-related complications.
Henry Odwar was well known in South Sudanese political circles, both for his time in government and for his active role in the peace process. He served as Minister of Mining, a position that placed him at the centre of debates on how the country could responsibly develop and benefit from its mineral wealth.
Beyond his ministerial portfolio, Odwar was a leading figure in the opposition during the negotiation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which laid the groundwork for the current transitional government. He later became part of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), where he played a significant role in shaping natural resource policy and governance reform.
Many political leaders, civil society groups, and members of the public have paid tribute to Odwar’s legacy, describing him as a principled leader and a firm believer in peaceful political change. He was known for his calm demeanour and his dedication to national dialogue and development, especially in the extractive industries sector.
While the government has yet to release an official statement, expressions of condolence and remembrance have continued to flow from across the South Sudanese political spectrum and diaspora communities.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, and it remains unclear whether his body will be repatriated to South Sudan for burial.
