Hundreds thronged Juba Airport Monday as the body of the country’s army chief James Ajongo, who died in Egypt, arrived home for burial.

Gen. Ajongo, who was appointed to the position in May 2017, died last Friday at the age of 57 after a short illness.

A large number of citizens, top government and military officials, including President Kiir and First Lady Mary Ayen, gathered at Juba Airport to receive the body.

The body would be taken to St. Theresa Cathedral Church for prayers.

Ajongo had joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in 1983 when it was still a rebel movement fighting against the Khartoum government.